Would love to see Indians play at EPL: Ex-Arsenal star

Mumbai: Former England midfielder Ray Parlour said on Tuesday he would love to see Indian footballers ply their trade in the English Premier League (EPL) in the future, adding that the country should focus on youth development which is very important in football.

"I think that the grassroots level of football is very important here. We know cricket is huge in India but also football can be. And in the future, I would love to see a lot more players coming from this part of the world, may be playing in the English Premier League which will be fantastic for you guys to see," Parlour said here at the launch of the PUMA Arsenal kits for the 2015-2016 season.

"While playing with some of the boys in the hotel here in the morning, I was surprised to see the talent they had. They were very technically gifted. But practice is very important. Technically you can get better even if you are on your own," the 42-year-old said.

Parlour, a legend at English club Arsenal where he played between 1992 and 2004, said signing Czech goalkeeper Peter Cech was a positive step for the club aiming to win the EPL.

"Goalkeeper Petr Cech is a good signing. If Cech can save quite a lot that will help the team get close to the title," the 42-year-old said.

"Striker Alexis Sanchez was a great signing. Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, I believe will help them win the EPL title. I would suggest them to believe in themselves and that will help Arsenal get closer to their goal,” Parlour concluded.