“Neymar would fit in perfectly in the EPL also” – Swansea’s Indian-origin left back Neil Taylor

Swansea left back Neil Taylor’s visit to Kolkata may not have been as publicised as the ones by Pele, Maradona, Lionel Messi or Diego Forlan, but the 24-year-old Wales international’s family connection with the City of Joy attracted several media persons at his press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

It is widely known now that Taylor’s mother hails from Kolkata and that he still has relatives in the Bengal capital and also in New Delhi. but looking back to his visits to India as a child, the former Manchester City youngster also revealed his association with cricket.

“My mother was born in Kolkata but moved to the UK while in her teens. As a kid I used to come to India a lot and remember playing cricket and even watching some matches at the Eden Gardens. I still have a lot of family members in India, both in Kolkata and New Delhi and I plan to visit the ones who are in Kolkata before returning to the UK,” Neil stated at the press meet.

The defender, who idolises Ashley Cole, is in Kolkata to interact with young footballers of the British Council’s Goalz project, which is inspired by the Premier League’s innovative partnership with the London Metropolitan Police. In Kolkata, the project runs in partnership with Kolkata Police, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, AIFF and IFA. It is delivered in association with nine Kolkata clubs with the target being to involve youngsters from the vulnerable sections of the society.

Having confused the festival of Diwali with Holi while reliving his India memories, Taylor was more comfortable talking about his eagerness to interact with the budding footballers of the project.

“I wanted to come here and find out more about Indian football and looking at the Goalz project, I see there is more happening here than I imagined. Sport in general, not just football, helps solve various problems in the society and it’s good to see this project helping the kids to live a better life. I hope to learn more about it and maybe can have long-term visits in the future,” he said.

Taylor broke his ankle after a challenge from Sunderland’s Craig Gardner

2012 was a roller coaster year for Taylor as he represented Great Britain at the London Olympics but also broke his ankle after a challenge from Sunderland’s Craig Gardner and missed almost the entire season, in which Swansea also won the League Cup to qualify for the Europa League.

“I have no grudges against him (Gardner) but it was difficult to stay out for most of the season. Injuries are always the most frustrating part for footballers but having dealt with that now, I believe I have become a stronger player,” he said.

When asked to pick the most influential coach of his career, Taylor acknowledged the contribution of all managers that he has played under and also paid a special tribute to Welsh legend Gary Speed.

“Different managers have influenced me greatly at different stages of my career. For example, I played under Liverpool legend Joey Jones (at Wrexham) who taught me how to tackle. Brendan Rodgers, of course, gave me the chance to flourish at the big stage and I will always remain thankful to him for that. Currently, Michael Laudrup is a joy to play under and he still looks like the best player in the world! All rumours of him falling out with the club or leaving don’t affect the players because we know that these stories are made up at this time of the year when nothing much is happening on the pitch.