Real Madrid may sign partnership with ISL side Delhi Dynamos
La Liga giants Real Madrid could be making a foray in India. According to reports, the 10-times Champions League winners could sign a deal with Indian Super League (ISL) side Delhi Dynamos FC. The deal would be similar to how another Spanish club, Atletico Madrid, have with Atletico de Kolkata.
Prashant Agarwal, Delhi’s newly-appointed President, revealed that Real Madrid have expressed interest, but admitted that the partnership talks are in its nascent stage.
He said, “Our goal is to make Delhi a football club from just a franchise”
“They have expressed interest and have said that they want to explore ideas. There could also be another big Spanish club, perhaps Villareal or Valencia, involved in the partnership. This tie-up will put something big in place. Everything is likely to change this time around.”
Delhi have a partnership with Dutch club Feyenoord Rotterdam and if this partnership materializes, the existing tie-up will have to be terminated. The ISL side finished 5th in the inaugural season and hence, failed to reach the semi-finals.
I have made a lot of memories in India: Del Piero
However, marquee player Alessandro del Piero, may not be part of the new-look Delhi side as he had a disagreement with coach Harm van Veldhoven. ISL’s most expensive purchase, Rs. 10.8 crores, who was unhappy with the way he was treated by the coach and seldom used, was reported to have pushed the manager during a practice session.
Del Piero said, “I will remember India and have made a lot of memories here.”
But, with the new President coming in and the possibility of the La Liga giants tying up, Del Piero’s connection with Delhi and India may not yet be over.
Fans would be eager to see the mini-Madrid derby in the sub-continent between Atletico Madrid’s and Real Madrid’s Indian representatives Kolkata and Delhi.