"it reminds you what this game is really about."
Manchester United’s Harry Maguire praised India’s football passion as he visited the country as part of a grassroots initiative.
Maguire was joined by teammates Diogo Dalot and André Onana.
Hundreds of fans in Mumbai turned out to welcome the trio in the sweltering heat.
The players were visiting India as part of United We Play, a grassroots football initiative led by Apollo Tyres in partnership with Manchester United.
Maguire said: “It’s incredible to see the love for the club here.
“You can really feel the energy and excitement from the fans. Manchester United has fans all over the world, and India is no different.
“I think it’s really important to give children opportunities, not just in football, but in everyday life.
“So it is amazing to come here and play with the children today and just to see how much happiness and enjoyment they’re having.
“Seeing their happiness, that excitement — it reminds you what this game is really about.”
Local street food was also part of the experience. Between drills, the footballers were spotted snacking on Mumbai’s famous vada pav.
The England defender said: “We’ve had a great time here.”
India remains a cricket-dominated nation. But Harry Maguire noted that football’s following is both deep and growing.
“I know cricket is a massive sport here. It’s a big sport in England too, and there’s always been a great India-England rivalry.
“But the love for football here is real. Everyone I have spoken to, since I have come here, love their football.
“Everyone watches the Premier League and so, I am sure if given the right opportunities, that love (for the sport) will get bigger and bigger.”
Maguire admitted that Manchester United’s season has been poor but the global support from fans keep the spirits high.
“Everything has to be improved upon, of course.
“The Premier League is demanding, and we know changes will happen — a lot of players might leave. A lot of players might join.
“But when you visit places like this, it reminds you why this club is special.”
“The fans, the support – it’s unique. It’s in times like these that fanbases and their loyalties are tested, and now it’s our turn to give something back to them to smile about.
“Manchester United is one of the biggest, if not the biggest club in the world. The fans make the club what it is.
“When you see fans here, we really feel that support back home too – and that’s why it’s the greatest club in the world.”
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