French Ligue 1 Champions Paris St Germain officially launched their academy at Treamis World School in the outskirts of the City here on Thursday.
While their delegation included the likes of Thomas Lavenant, PSG’s head of academies in India, the star attraction of the entourage was the club’s former forward and Portuguese international Pedro Pauleta.
Speaking to mediapersons later, Pauleta said he was happy to be part of the project. “This is my first time to India,” he said through Lavenant, who doubled up as his French translator.
“I will come back, hopefully in a year or two and I hope there are many more kids next year and I’m happy to be a part of this global project.”
Pauleta also took to the field to play five-a-side matches with select kids.
The Portuguese hitman, who is the second leading goalscorer for the national team with 47 (behind Cristiano Ronaldo), later visited Greenwood High School where the French club are in talks to open a second academy in the City.
One of the main objectives of the academy, according to Lavenant, is to educate the kids in the parisian way of playing the game.
“We want the kids to start playing in the parisian way of playing football,” Lavenant said. “You know, ball possession, being attractive with emphasis on movement and the ability to make a decision.”
He also spoke about the importance of the transfer of knowledge. “There is also going to be an added emphasis on transfer of knowledge in terms of what we know and how we will impart them to the Indian coaches,” he elaborated.
“There is no point in having Indian kids but with foreign coaches.”
PSG’s brand diversification and development manager, Fabian Allegre, brought with him a message that the club’s president Nasser Al-Khelaifi wished to share.
“Khelaifi’s message is that India is very important for PSG. And we are very happy to be here in Bangalore.”