India Game on the mind of Bayern Munich players

It's one of the most high-profile visit of an international football club to India, waiting for its football talent to be explored and tapped. Make no mistake, the FC Bayern stars are preparing for the launch of the second half of the Bundesliga season, but their stars are also eagerly waiting for their first glimpse of Delhi at the Audi Football Summit on January 10.

Football has the uncanny ability to make even strangers bond over a 90-minute game. The Germans are already aware of the contribution that Bhaichung Bhutia has made single-handedly to Indian football. At an interaction here after training, Bayern captain Philipp Lahm said, "At FC Bayern, we would like to contribute to the growth of Indian football. It is a great idea to play in Delhi." French international and star winger in the Bayern outfit, Franck Ribery is looking forward to his maiden trip to India. The 28-year-old Ribery said, "Football has taken me to places, which I would not have gone otherwise. I look forward to add India to that list."

Youngster Thomas Mueller, who had been to India earlier, is the 'official' guide for the trip, joked some of his team-mates. This will be Muller's first tour to the country after he shot into the limelight in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The winner of the 2010 World Cup 'Golden boot' award said, "A lot has happened since I visited India with the FCB second team in January 2009. I look forward to renew my ties with your country."

The Bayern camp is also upbeat about the return of star midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger after his two month lay-off due to a collarbone injury. The 27-year-old Schweinsteiger is one of the most sought-after sporting icons in Germany. It's quite evident that the Bayern vice-captain is raring to be back in action soon. Schweinsteiger is equally thrilled about taking the flight to Delhi on January 9. Schweinsteiger said, "I am returning from an injury, so the India match is crucial to see how I have recovered ahead of a hectic second phase of the season." Another star in the midfield, Dutch international Arjen Robben shares his aim for their Indian fans. Standing tall at six-feet, Robben said, "I know you love your cricket, but for 90 minutes next week we hope to show you quality football."


More information about the match and where to buy tickets online are available at www.audifootballsummit.in

The official Twitter account of the Audi Football Summit can be found under www.twitter.com/AudiFS2012 .