Chennaiyin FC will always be champions: Abhishek

It’s not very often that a group of journalists get together on a lazy Sunday afternoon for a press briefing. But, when it’s one involving the city’s very own Chennaiyin FC, there are no second thoughts. “I’m glad and grateful that we’re a team that’s magnetic enough to draw everyone on a Sunday,” said the team’s co-owner Abhishek Bachchan kickstarting the conversation. The actor was accompanied by head coach Marco Materazzi, marquee player John Arne Riise and teammates Baljit Sahni, Bernard Mendy, Jeje Lalpekhlua and Mehrajuddin Wadoo. 

Saturday night’s result has put defending champions Chennaiyin at the seventh spot with the team having very little chance of making the last-four stage, though there is still mathematical probability to do so. However, the team seems to have taken the outcome in its stride as the morale was visibly upbeat as they also celebrated their association with TVS Tyres over a cake-cutting ceremony. “Our fans are our biggest strength and they’ve won the hearts of all our teammates. Their love and undying support will keep us going. Also, this tournament is not all about winning. So, irrespective of wins and losses, we’ll always remain champions,” added Abhishek.  

Speaking of fans, this season has missed one of the team’s biggest fans, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who is usually seen cheering the team from the stands. “I guess the fans like her more than me. So, next time, I’m going to stay back at home and let her travel with the team. I’ll maybe move to Madurai and have Madurai FC,” said the actor before breaking into uninhibited laughter. Materazzi responded to Abhishek saying, “Thank you! We’d like her on the team.” 

Abhishek went on to add, “She and my father (Amitabh Bachchan) are always exchanging updates with me during the matches like running commentary. It’s like they have a bird’s eye view of the happenings. They don’t miss a single match.”