ISL 2015: Delhi Dynamos' French forward Florent Malouda reveals his ancestor was Indian

Florent Malouda already has three assists with the Delhi Dynamos (Image courtesy of ISL)

Delhi Dynamos’ French forward Florent Malouda has revealed that his great grandmother was actually from Kolkata, according to a report in The Times of India. In a post-match press conference after Delhi beat Atletico de Kolkata 1-0, the French international was evidently emotional.

“Way back in 1856, my great grandmother was picked up from this city as a slave and was transported to the West Indies,” Malouda said.

“It feels strange to note I have come back to the same city as a professional footballer and many are asking for my autograph and to be photographed with me.”

The former Chelsea man joined Delhi Dynamos in August as the franchise looked to improve on their performances last season. The ISL club, who had only five wins last season, are no doubt faring much better this season with four wins from six games played.

And Malouda has been central to their surge up to second in the table. The 35-year-old has not got on the score sheet yet, but he has already provided three assists in six appearances.

ISL can do the same for India as MLS did for America: Malouda

With many footballing icons like Malouda arriving in India to take part in the ISL, the future looks promising. With a chunk of the ISL games still to be played, the Delhi Dynamos captain went on to comment on the current state of Indian football.

“Not all is grim. There is serious potential, but it will take time,” Malouda explained.

“When I first came to India I found the Indian players slightly apprehensive and scared. They weren't willing to go for tackles or charge for example. It was as if a fear factor was working in them.

“With time, things are getting better. You can see how America has benefitted from the Major League Soccer (MLS). There is no doubt the ISL can do the same for India in time and that's why all of us are here.”

Malouda surprised by crowd support in ISL

In an interview with Sportskeeda, Malouda had said he was amazed by the support the teams got wherever they played, especially in Kerala. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi regularly sees 50-60,000 fans at all of Kerala Blasters’ games.

“I am struck by the organisational splendour of ISL, it’s amazing. I hope it grows from strength to strength,” Malouda had said.

“The crowd support has been phenomenal wherever we have gone. Kerala, especially, was really nice. I am hoping in our home game against North East, it’s even better!”