Future bright for Indian football: Mikael Silvestre

Howrah: Former French International Mikael Silvestre on Saturday said his contract with Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League football tournament was over and he's now a 'free player'.

"I had a one-season contract with CFC... That makes me a free player after the inaugural edition," the two-time World Cupper told reporters on the sidelines of inauguration of an artificial turf five-a-side football stadium at Tikiapra here today.

The former defender, who has played twice in the World Cup, won the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League five times, had a successful stint with Chennaiyin FC that made a semifinal exit after an agonising 3-4 loss on aggregate to Kerala Blasters FC in the eight-team ISL last year.

Chennaiyin FC meanwhile have announced the retention of Italian World Cup winner Marco Materazzi as their manager.

Overwhelmed with the success, he further said the ISL had put India on the world map and the future looked bright for the country that is languishing at 147 in the latest FIFA rankings.

"The start of ISL was really exciting. The entire world witnessed the event. It's a great platform for the Indian football. I'm very much hopeful of Indian football," the former Manchester United, Arsenal and Inter Milan stopper said.

Lavishing more praise on the Reliance-IMG organised tournament, he said: "Overall I was impressed by the competition. I think they have kept it simple and intense and competitive and interesting enough for the Indian population to get a grip on."

"I think the competition has a bright future, so I think it will attract more big names and the competition will be a lot harder to win next season," he added.