Global sportswear brand PUMA along with ace Indian footballer Robin Singh launched the new Tricks collection- a new colourful interpretation of its evoPOWER and evoSPEED spikes in pink and yellow respectively.
We spoke to Robin in an exclusive interview who is currently side-lined due to an injury he picked up at the SAFF championship last year.
The Bengaluru FC striker spoke on a wide range of topics, here are the excerpts.
Q. So Robin, how’s your recovery process coming along? Any new techniques you’ve been using off lately to get back to full fitness?
See, I was diagnosed at that very moment (of the injury). Then we chose to get the operation done because it was an ACL tear- Anterior Cruciate Ligament. From there the doctors took over, I had a recovery period and now I am back working with a sports scientist.
In the past few years you’d probably hear from a player that I am with a physio. Now if you speak to any sports player, they’d tell you the importance of a sports scientist. Nowadays you have your GPS belts, you heart rate monitor that you’re allowed to train with.
In some tournaments, you’re allowed to play with them as well. Those are the enhancements with regard to performance based technology. Which really helps. It’s basically going into the inside of what you should be and need to be as a footballer.
The coaches learn everyday as well. There’s such a vast variety of tournaments, coaches and leagues that you can watch. The best part about coaches is that they’re willing to learn. At the moment as far as heart rate and GPS belts are concerned, we’re hitting numbers that the English Premier league players hit.
There’s a certain mark that every player should hit to match European standards. I doubt myself if I don’t hit those numbers. Personally I believe in breaking barriers and proving people wrong. As a sports person you love the acknowledgement from the coaches, sports scientists and fans for your hard work.
Q. You started off as a defender and now you’re a striker. How was the transformation like?
I’ve always been attacking minded. Over the years, I changed a few academies. Some of them said I’ll never become a footballer and that I am not good enough. Then I went to TATA football academy and told them that I want to play as a winger or a striker.
For the first two years I played as a winger and then I got my chance to play as a striker. Over the years, the coaches helped me better myself. I just use my physique to my advantage.
Q. Who are some of the toughest defenders you’ve faced?
I love getting into a battle. If you want to pick a fight, I am up for it. I never back down. Definitely Lucio is there among the top. He’s a legend. I had the privilege of playing with Roberto Carlos in a few training games as well.
Being a Madrid fan, that was a dream come true. I highly rate Sandesh Jhingan as well. He puts in a great effort, whether he is having a good game or bad game. The level of effort is never compromised upon.
Then definitely my best friend John Arne Riise who is top class. Anas Edathodika is another great future in Indian football. All that being said, we’ve got great Indian players who are willing to work hard.
Q. What does Indian Coach, Constantine bring to the table?
I think it’s his sheer hard work and dedication. They’re two things that always make you win tournaments. Also he keeps it very simple. He knows what he wants from his boys and he knows what we’re good at. Every time we take to the pitch, he tells us to work hard and the results will come.
He asks us to play every game as if it’s the last game we’re going to play. It’s not long before happier results come. The Asia cup is coming up on the 2nd and 7th of June against Laos. I am aiming for that. I’d love to play that.
I leave it to the coaches and the doctors to decide. God bless it will work out. I will stand my ground. We need to give Stephen Constantine more time.
Q. Among the current crop of International strikers, who do you like watching?
Karim Benzema! I think he is the most underrated striker. I have no doubt. Being a Madrid fan, obviously I love Cristiano Ronaldo. I think one of the coolest players I have seen in the middle of the park is Modric. There’s Jamie Vardy who is killing it. Mahrez is killing it.
I don’t look at teams specifically. I look at attacking players, what I can absorb from them and bring it into my game. We definitely can’t keep out Harry Kane. He is proving people wrong and that’s definitely what I like doing as well – proving people wrong on the field.
These are some of the players I like watching. I want to learn from Vardy. He’s come up from the lower leagues. I definitely want to have a sit down with him and learn.
Q. If they make a movie on you, who do you think can play your role?
Zlatan Ibrahimovi could play me (laughs). Definitely yeah! If I could have a movie, I’d be honoured to be in it. I’d love Zlatan to be a part of it. Karim Benzema and Sunil Chhetri to be a part of it. I have a very small circle.
I love my friends to bits and I’d do anything for them. So I want my friends to be in it as well.
Q. Lastly, how did the association with PUMA come along?
We just had a sit down and I found out PUMA is coming out with new shoes. I want to help them take the brand forward. When they picked me, I was honoured. We sat down a few times, I saw the shoe and wore them.
I love their shoes and now that the new colours are out, I love them even more now. The brand is edgy and sheer class. Ferrari and BMW are associated with them. They’ve got some of the best artists and sports people on their roster. There is a lot this brand has to offer.
I want this association to go on long as long as I can. I don’t think there is anything that we Indian sports persons’ lack when compared to the European scale.
