Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire hopes to see an Indian player in the Premier League someday. But the England international knows it’s not an easy task

With cricket being the most widely-followed sport, football needs a lot of infrastructural and skill development, but he believes that grassroots programmes hold the key for the sport to grow in the country.

“I know cricket is a massive sport over here. It’s also a big sport in England as well. England and India have some great rivalries in cricket and have had some great matches over the years.

“But only initiatives like what they’re doing and giving these children good opportunities will help it go a long way and improve the game,” Maguire said on the sidelines of the United We Play programme, a flagship grassroots football initiative by Apollo Tyres.

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“I know how passionate India is about football. I have spoken to a lot of people since I have been here and everybody watches the Premier League.

“It’s amazing that we have this support and I’m sure their football will keep growing,” he added.

As Maguire and his club teammates Andre Onana and Diogo Dalot interacted with young footballers at the Cooperage Ground on Thursday, they made it a point to share a few pointers with the budding players.

“It’s an amazing initiative to come here and to play with the children here today and just to see them enjoy so much because the most important thing as a child is to enjoy it and to feel sociable and to play with your friends,” Maguire said, adding, “It’s great work and I’m sure it’ll continue and get bigger and bigger…”