Former Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has compared futsal with Twenty20 cricket.
"We have seen how Twenty20 format has brought younger people, a newer audience to cricket. Hopefully this will be the same for futsal because it is quick. It is similar to Twenty20 cricket. It's instant and different from 90 minute football," Giggs said in Mobor, Goa on Friday.
Giggs is playing for Mumbai 5s in the ongoing Premier Futsal.
Asked about his motive behind taking part in tournament, Giggs said, "There are number of reasons. First I had never been to India before so I was quite keen to come to India. Also, I like the concept, the legends (taking part), the futsal players and also local talent," he told reporters.
Sharing his own experience of playing futsal for the first time, Giggs said: "It is a completely different game and I have never played it before. People who had played it before warned me so I was getting more and more nervous closer to the tournament. First time when you kick the futsal it is heavier. It is like a medicine ball and it is so quick and tactical. I have learnt a lot and enjoyed it."
Giggs's side Mumbai 5s will face Kolkata 5s in the semi-final on Saturday.
Giggs also hinted that he might feature in the second edition of the league in January next year.
"That's the plan at the moment. Obviously this was the first time and I think it has gone off great and I am looking forward to coming back in January," he said.
He said the tournament has come as a blessing for Indian players as they are getting an opportunity to rub shoulders with some big names of world football.
"It is an education for them (Indian players). I think it is our job really to help young Indian players who perhaps haven't played this standard. They will eventually go up if they train hard and have the right coach," Giggs said.
Asked about his team's chances in Saturday's semi-final, Giggs said, "Obviously every team in the semis now has got a chance. It's knock-out. You have to make less mistakes. When you look at the four teams anyone of them can win it. All the teams had good performances."
Image: Ryan Giggs
Photograph: Reuters