Announce Virat Kohli As New Co-Owner
FC Goa launched their jersey for the inaugural edition of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at a glitzy event in Mumbai today. Along with unveiling their kit, the club also announced cricket sensation Virat Kohli as a team co-owner.
In attendance were co-owners Shrinivas Dempo, Dattaraj Salgaocar, and Videocon chairperson Venugopal Dhoot, founder and chairperson of Football Sports Development Pvt Ltd. Nita Ambani, FC Goa’s ‘first friend’ Varun Dhawan, and Virat Kohli, along with marquee player Robert Pirès and team manager Zico.
The event kicked off with Zico being introduced to the gathering. The Brazilian legend highlighted India’s passion for the game and said, “I’m very grateful to FC Goa for making me a part of the Hero ISL. I’ve had a great welcome here as well as in Goa.”
Next on stage was marquee signing and Arsenal legend Robert Pirès who said, “I’m so happy to be here. I received a great welcome yesterday,” as he thanked the fans who came to greet him at the airport last night. Pirès also joked about Indian food, calling it “spicy”, and expressed his desire to see the country and play some good football. The French winger also made it clear that he was here to lead FC Goa to the first ISL title.
Nita Ambani addressed the gathering next, highlighting the core values of the ISL as the league looks to make India a footballing nation. Co-owners Dempo, Salgaocar and Dhoot also took to the stage to speak about their marquee signing and coach. “He’s a god, a legend. We worship him!” said Salgaocar about Zico, as Dempo reassured the gathering that their only goal was to win the ISL.
Moments later, in a surprise announcement, Kohli was announced as a co-owner of the club. The Delhi cricketer stated that he was very excited to be a part of FC Goa and that the ISL would be a great chance for young Indians to play alongside the international greats. “Some might say that I’m a bit young to take this on, but I love football and really want to see it grow in India,” he said.
FC Goa also announced Videocon D2H as their principal sponsor. Dhawan came onstage and promised to attend as many games as possible because he believes the atmosphere will be “unbelievable”.
Just before the unveiling of the jersey, Pirès, Dhawan and Kohli indulged in some keep-ups on the stage as even Zico joined them for a little while. The kit was unveiled and signed by the FC Goa contingent as well as Nita Ambani. A media interaction session rounded off the glittery event.
