Mutu shortlisted for Indian Super League

William Gallas, who won back-to-back English Premier League titles with Chelsea FC, and controversial Romanian striker Adrian Mutu have been cleared to play in the Indian Super League.

The Indian Super League -- which will kick off on September 19 -- is turning out to be a magnet for some famous footballers, many of them, though, at the fag end of their hugely-successful careers. Franchisees must obtain prior permission from the ISL Player Committee, and some of the names made "available" by agents have made franchisees smack their lips.

"Several agents have been contacting us with some famous footballers. They keep mailing their biodatas," a senior official connected with the Goa franchise told TOI.

Not all players whose agents have been vigorously pursuing the Indian football market have found favour with organizers of the ISL. Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, as reported earlier by TOI, has not been cleared as a marquee player, but according to sources, two franchisees have got the nod to sign William Gallas and Adrian Mutu as their marquee signing for the opening season of ISL.
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Robert Pires shortlisted for Indian Super League

Robert Pires is all set to come out of retirement from September, with the French midfielder jetting out to take part in the Indian Super League.

 Arsenal legend Robert Pires has revealed how excited he is about the event's resurgence.

The 40-year-old Frenchman is among the ageing stars in the frame to take part in the new competition, which has been mooted to get underway next year.

Other top ex-pros reportedly signed up to a 'shortlist' of players for the tournament include Hernan Crespo, Freddie Ljungberg, Dwight Yorke and Louis Saha.

It may not be the highest-profile of leagues, but it would lack nothing in prestige with some of the legendary players reportedly involved in talks.



 Just when Arsenal fans thought they had heard the last of former France international and all-round midfield maestro Robert Pires, it would appear that the evergreen star is set for a comeback.

It was surprising enough when the veteran made a shock return to the Premier League with Aston Villa back in 2010, playing nine times for the Clarets in an otherwise forgettable spell in the Midlands.

But those thinking that spell would signal the end of his playing days appear to be very,very wrong amid reports indicating the French is set to rise, like a phoenix from the flames, and get back to doing what he does best – playing football.

However before any alarm bells start ringing among West Ham fans worried that Sam Allardyce has rekindled his previous penchant for picking up past-their-best legends like Fernando Hierro, it’s important to note that Pires won’t be returning to the Premier League.

Instead, the 40-year-old looks set to be one of the star attractions in the newly-formed Indian Super League, which is due to kick-off in September.

According to the website France Football, the former Metz man has long been linked with a move to the new league, which has taken some time to become a reality.

And in a short but sweet interview with the ex-Gunner, Pires expressed his excitement for the adventure ahead.

“I’m ready, I’m sharp,” he told reporters as he gears up for a trip to India, where he is all set to play for a newly-formed team in Bombay.

While the World Cup may be dominating all things football at present, those looking to see a host of former football greats competing in a newly formed league could be in luck from September. Let's just hope the Frenchman isn't on penalty duty.

And who knows? An impressive showing in India could eventually convince Allardyce to move for the veteran, though we won’t be holding our breath on that one.