ISL 2015: Interview with FC Pune City's Didier Zokora

Didier Zokora has been impressed by the ISL (Photo courtesy ISL)

“Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think that there would be so much response for the game of football in India - which I know is a cricketing country, and where it is worshiped,” said Didier Zokora of FC Pune City, while talking to Sportskeeda in Pune on Saturday.

With four bookings so far, the Ivory Coast player will be among the spectators when his team takes to the field for the last time in this second edition of the Indian Super League at the Balewadi Sports Complex on Saturday.

“It is sad that we (FC Pune City) despite making a rousing start, failed to qualify, which has hit all of us very badly. I do agree it was our own fault,” said that midfielder who wants to come back next year and play for the same team.

Summoned by none other than David Platt, his FC Pune City coach, to play in India, Zokora is of the opinion that Indian Super League (ISL) will reach new heights in years to come. “It is just a two-year-old baby and has made its presence felt, and I am sure this will be one of the big leagues around the globe and many big names will like to have a go here,” said Zokora who did not want to compare ISL with any other league around the globe. “Each league is different and comparing them will not do any good to them.”

His younger brother, Armando was the force behind Zokora’s success in the game. “It was Armando who introduced me to the game and all the success goes to him,” said Zokora who kisses a tattoo of his brother’s name before every match he plays. He rolls up his sleeve to show his right forearm. Along it, in large lettering, is tattooed the name `Armand’.

“Armando didn't really know how to swim properly,” Zokora recalled of his brother who tragically drowned during an outing at the beach in Grand-Bassam in Ivory Coast.

Like any footballer, Zokora too has a hero and it is Frenchman Patrick Vieira, now head coach of New York City FC. “Patrick Viera is my hero, Nelson Mandela is my inspiration, and Jesus my mentor, said Zokora.”

“Keep playing with dedication, be committed to the game and most importantly be disciplined,” this is the message he has for youngsters who are in the wings and want to make it big in this beautiful game.

He is quick to recall the slogan written at the entrance of the academy of his early days, Guillou, which says ‘You can only become big if you know how to stay small’. "It's always stayed in my head. I keep it there. It's true. To become big, famous, well known, or a great player, you have to know your roots, stay humble and honour the smallest details,’ as he signs off for his dinner.