Football fanatic John Abraham is ready and steady to make the country live the magic of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The actor-producer, who is doing a film based on the sport and has even invested in a football franchise, believes the fever for the game will scale new heights once Indian football finds its hero.
“One sporting hero can totally change the fabric of a sport in a country. For example, in tennis, it was Sania Mirza, or for badminton, a Saina Nehwal and much before her, Prakash Padukone...look at what Tiger Woods did to golf in the world. I think Indian football requires that one hero,” John says. “Bhaichung Bhutia nearly made it there, but we need one hero. The minute we get that hero, watch football change in this country. It will take time, but it will change,” the multi-faceted talent says who has been roped in by sports and entertainment channel Sony SIX as the 2014 FIFA World Cup brand ambassador in India.
John grew up watching Argentine footballer Diego Maradona’s skilful play thanks to his father, who woke him up early morning to catch up on football matches. He started playing himself, so much so that he now says: “I would have played for India, but I had to make a choice between football and MBA.”
But here, at 41, he is living his childhood passion via different ways. Apart from widely promoting the World Cup here, he has bought the Guwahati franchise of the Indian Super league.