AFC Asian Cup: Football legends Diego Forlan, Nicolas Anelka send wishes to India ahead of campaign; WATCH

All eyes are on the AFC Asian Cup where the Indian football team kicks off their campaign with a high-voltage clash against Australia on January 13. While wishes have been pouring in from every nook and corner of the country, several legends of the game have now come forward to show their support for the Blue Tigers. Former Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan, a good friend of Indian captain Sunil Chhetri, has sent best wishes through a face-cam video. Among others, French footballer-turned-manager Nicolas Anelka and ex-English midfielder Peter Reid also seem positive about India’s performance at the AFC Asian Cup, underway in Qatar.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has shared a video on X (formerly Twitter), with a caption reading, “Wishes pouring in from legends across the world.” Forlan, who has played for European giants like Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Inter Millan, spent the twilight phase of his career in India. He joined Mumbai City FC of the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2016 and was immediately named the captain of the side. Three years later, Forlan bid adieu to professional football. Meanwhile, Anelka also signed with Mumbai City FC ahead of the inaugural season of the ISL. After scoring two goals and providing as many assists during his debut campaign, the French forward was retained for the second season of the Indian league and was bestowed managerial responsibility. When Anelka was roped in as a player for the 2014 season, Peter Reid was at the helm of Mumbai alongside assistant coach Steve Darby. As far as the AFC Asian Cup is concerned, this edition marks India’s fifth campaign in the continental showpiece. The country made their debut in the tournament back in 1964 when it also recorded the best performance. India endured just one defeat and folded the tournament as the runners-up. Their second appearance came after 20 years. India managed to draw only one game against Iran in that edition. India further competed in the 2011 and 2019 editions of the AFC Asian Cup but could not produce anything significant.