Fantastic to see youngsters get to play pro football: Dravid

Bengaluru [India], Dec 22 (ANI): Former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid has said that he feels fantastic to see youngsters getting a chance to play professional football alongwith some former international stars in the Indian Super League (ISL).

Yesterday, Bengaluru FC, the new entrant in Indian Super League, suffered the second consecutive defeat at the fortress.

The result notwithstanding, support for the Blues at home has been phenomenal, and the presence of Rahul 'The Wall' Dravid at Sree Kanteeravaa Stadium further adds to the 'fans' strength of the club.

Dravid, who was recently revealed as the club's Brand Ambassador, attended his first ISL match and was impressed with the fan following the club and ISL has generated, terming it as 'fantastic' for Indian football.

"It's great to see a lot of the young players coming through the academies and so many young Indian players are getting to play the game professionally at the highest level with so many international stars. I think it's fantastic for Indian football and great for Bengaluru FC as well," said the current coach of Indian Under-19 cricket team.

"It's really great to be associated with BFC especially with the kind of supporters that they have. I think this team means a lot to Bengaluru city and you can feel it. Bengaluru is a really great sporting city and Bengaluru FC represents Bengaluru really well. We have a fantastic group of fans and it's a great experience to come here and watch a football game for the first time."

Despite the back-to-back losses to Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur FC, the former Indian captain and once known as the most dependable batsman of modern era is optimistic of Bengaluru's changes to win the ISL.

"We are the favourites, there's no doubt about it and we are going to win the League. A small hiccup in the last games but that happens and I'm sure we're going to bounce back."(ANI)