I was at Manchester United at the right time: Exclusive Interview with Chennaiyin FC's Mikael Silvestre

Silvestre in action for Manchester United

Frenchman Mikael Silvestre has been a leader and a calm, assuring presence at the heart of the Chennaiyin FC rearguard in their first five games of the Indian Super League so far. The Frenchman, in his pomp, was one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s trusted lieutenants during his time at Manchester United. Silvestre won five Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League in 2008 and an FA Cup title.

Here are excerpts from Sportskeeda’s interaction with one of the ISL’s most high profile recruits.

First of all, how has the India experience been so far?

There are so many trainings and games within a short period so we haven’t got much of a chance yet to explore India. My experience has been very much limited to staying in hotels and travelling between cities to play and then it’s time to recover, rest and sometimes get treatment. We have spent most of the time in travelling. It’s hard to get the energy after that to do anything else, but we managed to see a temple in Mahabalipuram.

Chennaiyin FC were the last team to be formed in the ISL. Yet, you guys are among the table toppers. What has been the secret to that?

We have an excellent dressing room mentality. We are a like a family where everyone is treated equally and with respect. So on the pitch we give everything for each other until the very last minute.

You've played under the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger in your career. How does Marco's style compare to those great managers?

Marco is just at the beginning of his managerial career so it’s hard to compare and definitely too early. When I was managed by Ferguson and Wenger, they had years and years of experience behind them. Marco still hasn’t quit that player’s mentality as he still plays. He has got a good record so far of course.

You spent almost 10 years at Manchester United. What was life like in Manchester?

It was all about United and my family. I used to enjoy the English cuisine.

After you left United, you didn't taste as much success at either Arsenal or Werder Bremen. Would you attribute that to any specific reason?

No. I think I was at United at the right time, when they had a great team. One player can’t do it all alone.

The Highest and Lowest points of your career so far?

Lowest is not winning the 2006 World Cup final. Highest will be winning the first major trophy with United, the Inter Continental Cup in 1999.

Louis van Gaal has just taken over at United, and they have had their worst start to a season in a long, long time. Do you think van Gaal is the right man for the job?

Yes, I still think he is the right man.

Silvestre and Sir Alex Ferguson with the FA Cup trophy in 2004

Who is the best player you've ever played with? I'm guessing it must be between Giggs and Zidane.

Very difficult to pick one as I have played with so many legends.

Your time at United saw most of the Class of '92 playing with you. Who among those guys was the most fun to hang out with?

Nicky Butt.

Do you still speak to some of the people at Old Trafford, considering that you had been there for so long?

Yes I am still in touch with them. I am working sometimes as a brand ambassador for the club.

You've been on the same side as many brilliant set piece takers like Zidane, Beckham, Ronaldo, etc. Where does Elano rank?

Elano is a fantastic freekick taker. I will give you a proper answer after the competition. Hopefully we will able to win the competition thanks to his freekicks and corners.

Do you see yourself in management in the future?

Why not. I already got UEFA B license, will pursue my A license in the new year.

Tell me a bit about your charity "Schools for Hope".

It started in 2006, providing funding to schools in the poorest parts of the World, in Africa, Asia and South America. It’s still going on with different projects.