New Delhi: Premier League legend Michael Owen’s recent visit to India resulted in a memorable encounter with star-India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson who is a passionate Liverpool supporter. In an exclusive conversation with JioStar, Samson fondly recalled watching Owen play during his childhood, and also opened up about India’s growing football culture, and shared his excitement over meeting the English icon.
Samson shared his insights into his family’s connection with Owen’s legacy “I was telling him how passionately we used to watch him play. My father is a big fan of him,” Samson told JioStar. He fondly recalled how his father would remind him about Owen’s matches, saying “Okay, tonight at 9:00 p.m. Michael Owen is playing, do you want to watch him?”
Samson reflected on football’s popularity in India
Samson highlighted that football’s popularity in India is frequently underestimated. He cited his experience with Malappuram FC, where he saw a stadium filled with 30,000 fans, showcasing the vast untapped potential for the sport in the country.
The cricket star warmly invited Owen to Kochi, promising to serve him traditional Kerela delicacies “We can welcome him there with some rice and fish curry,” Samson said, showcasing the typical Indian hospitality.
Owen was surprised by the overwhelming numbers of Arsenal fans
In an interview with ANI, the Owen’s revealed that although he anticipated enthusiasm for football on his second trip to India, but he was surprised by the overwhelming number of Arsenal fans.
“Yeah, I’ve loved the experience. I’m here for a week, so I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve obviously only been here two days now. So, managed to sample the weather. Very hot today. Trying to play a bit of football and a bit of cricket. Well, very passionate. I knew that before I came. I knew that India, despite India being a huge cricketing nation, they’re a huge footballing nation as well,” Owen said.
He added, “I know the fans love their Premier League football. I’ve seen so many different shirts. Surprised how many Arsenal fans there are. Everybody seems to be Arsenal fans at the moment, I see. But I’m sure I’ll find some Liverpool, some Manchester United fans as well. And, yeah, just really pleased to see the passion for myself and not just hear about it or see it on television.”
Story Highlight
- Premier League legend Michael Owen’s recent visit to India resulted in a memorable encounter with star-India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson
- Samson fondly recalled watching Owen play during his childhood, and also spoke about India’s growing football culture.
- Sanju Samson warmly invited Owen to Kochi, promising to serve him traditional Kerela delicacies.
- Owen’s revealed that although he anticipated enthusiasm for football on his second trip to India, but he was surprised by the overwhelming number of Arsenal fans.
