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The Indian Super League (ISL) has given us some incredible footballing action throughout the course of its three seasons, and Season 4 promises to be no different. With this season being especially exciting, following the addition of two new teams in Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC, the field is stronger than it has ever been.
If the competition wasn't strong enough, to begin with, this season the ISL teams have an added incentive, that being that the winners shall qualify for the AFC Cup. This is bound to bring about a reaction from the teams, who are now fighting for much more than just state pride.
Over the course of three seasons, the ISL has especially excelled in the area of finding itself some foreign players. These "marquee" signings have generally been those players who have made an indelible impact on world football during the prime of their careers and were ready to see it out in India. This meant that true legends of the game have even ended their careers in India, making this all the more special.
While playing football is definitely what these legends will be remembered for, it is quite surprising that even footballers sometimes need to find themselves a job. After all, retirement does prove a slight problem for those who are used to all the limelight. So here are 5 ISL legends who are now doing different jobs:
#5 Freddie Ljungberg
Freddie Ljungberg is widely considered an Arsenal legend, and for good reason. The former Gunner was vital in many victories for the club and his vast experience seemed like the charm for Mumbai City FC when the club signed him in 2014.
Ljungberg however, retired soon after his time at the club and after a brief stint as an ambassador for Arsenal, took up his passion for coaching. The Swede joined Andres Jonker at Wolfsburg in the form of an assistant coach.
#2 David James
David James has had a sensationally long career in the top footballing sides, including Liverpool and Manchester City. The Englishman joined the ISL in 2014 as Kerala's marquee signing and has never looked back since. His appointment as player-manager was successful to an extent but his full-time post-retirement move has seen him become a football pundit for the likes of BT Sport and some Indian sports channels as well, where he appears as an analyst. For James, the last hurrah in the ISL was a true turning point in the twilight of his career.
#3 Nicolas Anelka
Another former Arsenal and Liverpool player, Nicolas Anelka was well-known for his regular travels and need to find a new club. The sheer talent of the Frenchman was on display everywhere he went, as his class shone through.
Towards the end of his career, Anelka considered Asia as a lucrative option and finally ended up in Mumbai City FC. His career ended soon after and since calling it a day, Anelka has gone back to his roots and even pursued a career as a technical staff member at Dutch Eredivisie side Roda JC. An interesting move indeed.
#2 Elano
Elano Blumer lit up the ISL as one of the marquee signings for Chennaiyin FC in the debut season of the ISL. One of the more favourable additions in terms of age, the former Manchester City man was electric throughout the tournament and often captained the side to victory.
His goals proved vital to successful outings for the Chennai-based club and has made him a hero in Chennai. His decision to retire, however, seemed surprised, and as of now, the flashy Brazilian finds himself as interim manager of Brazilian side Santos, which also happens to be Neymar's boyhood club.
#1 Alessandro Del Piero
There is no doubting the legendary status of one Alessandro Del Piero. A shock marquee signing for Delhi Dynamos in 2014, the Italian brilliantly set out on his task to make the capital city's side the strongest in the ISL.
Fans still fondly remember the good-natured Del Piero's sheer love for all things India and such was his passion, that the striker decided to hang up his boots in India itself. Following his retirement, Del Piero reportedly took up the position of Sporting Director at Spanish club Real Mallorca, a surprising call considering his hero status in Juventus. The legend has also featured as a regular analyst for Sky Sports Italia.
