What prompted you come out of retirement and take part in the Indian Super League?It's how they pitched it to me. They (organisers) said many kids in India like football. They would like the interest going so that there's a future for those kids. They asked if I could help inspire people and that's what I've come to do.Your fans are waiting to see you take the field. When will you oblige them?Very soon, hopefully. I've started training and I'm feeling much better. Obviously I can't tell you if I'll play or not. My manager won't allow me to do that. But you'll see me soon.Do you like what you've seen so far?There's an amazing buzz. That's what the ISL is trying to create. I saw packed stadia in most parts of the country. The fans have gone crazy. In that respect, it has been good. Although we lost the (opening game (to Atletico de Kolkata), it was a good learning experience as most of our players hadn't played in front of such a big crowd. And with all the TV cameras and hype surrounding the league, I felt some players were nervous after the opening ceremony.In terms of the quality of football, has the ISL lived up to your expectations?Yes, kind of. I mean, it's a totally new league. You cannot expect everything to be like the Premier League. The premiership has been there for so many years. But what the ISL has done is unbelievable. And, it has created a huge buzz in such a short period of time. It's going to get better and better, that's how I see it. To elaborate on that, the teams have only been together for a month. And despite that, they are playing well. Credit must go to the coaches.Did you expect to get such a warm welcome in India? Your photo adorns hundreds of billboards...It's actually embarrassing. I actually look away from it (laughs). I remember the Calvin Klein thing. Well, at least, I have clothes on (laughs). On a serious note, no, I'm not one that likes to see myself, but of course it's an honour. At the same time, we are trying to create an interest and be an inspiration for young people to take up the sport. That's how I see myself. The future of Indian football is the grassroots programme. For me, that's what is important. We're here now for two to three months, but hopefully the grassroots programme can be a long-term thing. The kids are important. I started playing for a club when I was just five. At the club, we were taught things all the time. If it's possible to set up good infrastructure and if you can inspire kids, then Indian football will get better and better. That's the key factor.So, you knew that you wanted to be a footballer at five?I was one year too young for the club (Halmstads BK), actually. I came from a small village (Vittsjo) and we were going to a big city (Halmstad). My dad asked my mother and she agreed, but when he asked me, I said I'll move as long as you get me into a proper football club. My father agreed and the club took me in. I must have been good then (laughs). Yeah, so I stayed there for 15 years till I moved to Arsenal.Do you think you are burdened with expectations in India?No, not really. It's normal. It's the same wherever I go. Even in the premiership it's the same, with people constantly asking us questions. It's something which we have to live with our whole life. And of course, I'm going to try my best. I'm not 22, but I'm going to play my heart out. It's an important responsibility. It's not just playing. It's helping the players around us. The Indian players ask questions about how to cope with the nerves that come with playing in front of 80,000 people or a simpler question like how to put a through ball.What are the most prominent questions they ask?Questions like what it takes to start winning trophies or what to work on or how to position yourself before receiving a pass.How has it been training with the team? Are the boys all set for the game against FC Pune City on Saturday?The training has been good. I haven't trained much because of my calf. But so far, we've done well. The boys are listening to the coach, which is great.Surely Syed Rahim Nabi will be missed…Yeah, it's a big loss. He's a great player and a good person to have in the dressing room. We'll definitely miss him.And, have the boys made you eat some local food?Yea, some chicken dish. I can't remember the name, but I tell the chef to not make it very spicy. I love the rotis and naan, though.Do you think Anelka is the best player in the ISL?He should be. He's an excellent player which is good for the team. Personally, I think if everyone is fit and playing, we're a very strong team.Are you happy with the current Arsenal squad?Of course I'm happy. It's my team. We've shown that we now have money to spend in the transfer window. Maybe we need one or two windows to have the squad we want.Is Danny Welbeck a good signing?I think he'll be great for the club. He has pace, something that Arsenal is famous for. I think, at one stage, we did not have any pace. But now we have Welbeck, (Alexis) Sanchez and (Theo) Walcott too and (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain too.You're compatriot Zlatan Ibrahimovic said a World Cup without him is not worth watching. Do you agree?I think it's plain silly.

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