Merge ISL and I-League but the former should not prosper at the cost of the latter: Renedy

RENEDY SINGH, the former international player for India has echoed the opinion of merging the Indian Super League (ISL) with the I-League and stated that is the way forward for Indian fooftball.

"The merger cannot happen straightaway. The big stars who come to play in the ISL would not agree to spend one whole year in India. As of now, they are comfortable staying here for three-four months. But, a few tears down the line, the prospect needs to be explored," said the assistant coach of FC Pune City to PTI.

He also said that the young Indian talent can gain a lot by training under coaches such as Zico and David Platt (Renedy's boss at FC Pune City).

"In our times, we did not get that opportunity. Look at Jeje (Lalpekhlua). He is doing so well in the I-League because he got to rub shoulders with great players and coaches in the ISL," said the 36-year-old former midfielder from Manipur.

But at the same time, he was of the opinion that ISL should not prosper at the cost of I-League.

"The number of I-League teams would have to increase. It is never good to see a player not getting a team and sitting at home. From next year onwards, the AIFF is trying to get two more teams," he informed.

The former India international is happy the way Kolkata clubs are doing well in the current edition of the I-League.

"When I started playing club football in the mid 90s, clubs from Kolkata used to rule the scene. Subsequently, the Goan clubs took over. But, now is the time for Kolkata again," said Renedy, who has played six years each for Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.