"Footballers are forgotten as soon as they leave football" Interview with ex-India international Jules Alberto

Jules Alberto with his wife

Former Indian international Jules Alberto was one of the best footballers in India of his generation before he decided to shift to England and pursue a different career path for himself.

Now he is doing his coaching badges and maybe he will return to football to fulfil his dream in the future. Here are the excerpts of a chat with him recently:

Jules, many of the younger Indian football fans might not even know you. Please tell us a little about yourself and your football career.

Footballers are forgotten as soon as they leave football, [and it's] is normal. I represented the Indian national team from 1999 to 2004, played 48 times and scored eight goals too.

I started my professional football career with Salgaocar SC in 1997, won all the major trophies in India with them. Last I played for Dempo SC, after donning the colours of Mahindra United, Vasco SC and Fransa SC too.

Was the winning goal against the UAE on April 8, 2001 in Bangalore, the most important of your career?

It was a memorable goal, very important one personally and for the country too, but all the goals scored are important!

What are your personal football career highlights?

Winning the Federation Cup with Salgaocar SC in my very first appearance in the tournament and voted player of the year in an online poll in 2002, also winning the player of the tournament at Durand Cup in 2002 are some along with a lot of fond memories at the national level.

Why did you leave Indian football and shift to England?

There were very little options available to players after football life. I had seen ex-players struggle. Also, I had a hope that if my son played football then he will have better options than me. I know the scenario has changed very much now in India, which I pray the youngsters utilise to the best of their potential.

What have you been doing in the last few years?

I have been doing a normal office 9am to 5pm job in London as I have a family to take care off and a new place to adjust. But I always kept myself abreast about football news in India and the players.

You have started your coaching badges. Whats your aim as a coach?

Yes fortunately, I have just started to get back into the active football field again. I’m in the process to get my FA badges so that I can give back something to football and the new generation my experience. Hopefully, one day I can do that in India too.

Jules Alberto during commentary

You have also been inducted into the Hindi commentary team of Star Sports for the English Premier League coverage. How has the experience been for you?

The Hindi commentary for Star Sports experience has really been an eye opener for me. I get an opportunity to analyse the game from an eye view. This should help me along with the coaching experience to learn a lot at the very highest level of football. Also,it will help me in the long way when I start to coach full time, hopefully that will happen soon.

For football purposes would you return to India?

I would love to come back and impart my knowledge and experience that will help uplift my country of birth. But honestly speaking right now my family is the foremost priority for me, but if the situation is right and favourable then I will definitely make the choice and return.