Exclusive: FC Pune City's Didier Zokora on ISL, African Cup of Nations heartbreak and destroying attacks

“I only think about football, nothing else,” Didier Zokora had said a few months after joining Tottenham Hotspur. Nine years on, football is still the most crucial aspect in the midfielder’s life, now plying his trade at FC Pune City.

Pune have been knocked out of contention from the Indian Super League semifinals but Zokora has been one of the most consistent performers in the tournament, living up to his reputation of a classy midfielder and an African football legend.

The 34-year-old mainstay of David Platt’s side was in a relaxed mood when Firstpost caught up with him in the lobby of the team hotel in Kolkata. “I want to share my experience,” Zokora said with a smile, when asked about his decision to come to India after being out of competitive football for over a year.

“It was the manager – David Platt. He called me and asked me to come here. He knew me from my time at Tottenham. He thought this would be a different challenge for me,” he added, also mentioning how ‘happy’ he is to be a part of this footballing cauldron that is the Indian Super League.

Born in Abidjan in the district of Yopougon in Ivory Coast, Zokora’s footballing roots trace back to the renowned ASEC Mimosa academy – the club which holds the world record for the longest unbeaten domestic streak in football and has also nurtured the likes of Yaya Toure, Salomon Kalou and Gervinho – players who have gone on to represent some of the biggest names in European football.

Zokora has had a distinguished career all across Europe. From winning the Belgian Super League with Racing GENK as a 21-year-old to winning the League Cup with Spurs and the Copa Del Rey in Spain, alongside brief stints in France and Turkey – Zokora has firsthand experienced the diversity that football has to offer.

“India is a cosmopolitan country. I love everything here – good food, amazing people,” Zokora said. “Only thing is there is too much traffic,” he adds, his sense of humour shining through. He quickly gets serious though,“When I was playing in Kerala, it was completely full. I was surprised – it was like a Premiership game.”

Zokora also expressed his joy at being able to play for Platt, a former Manchester City assistant manager: “Mr. Platt is a legend back in England. He has played at many great clubs like Arsenal, Juventus and Sampdoria. I am so happy to get to work with him. Not only do I get to share my experience with the ISL, but I also get to learn certain things from him,” the Ivorian told.

Popular for his no-nonsense tackling skills, Zokora admitted the role of a defensive midfielder has changed substantially as the years have gone by. “If you save the goal, you can score. I have been playing that position for over ten years,” Zokora mentioned, before adding how positional awareness is still the most significant part of being a good midfield enforcer.

With The Elephants coming off one of their most successful years in recent history, Zokora who is the most capped Ivory Coast player, conceded he regretted not winning the African Cup of Nations with his national side.

“I have played fifteen years for my country. Five Africa Cup Of Nations and three World Cups. I stopped playing after Brazil and they win the next year,” Zokora shrugged. A moment later, he added, “I am so happy for my country and for my teammates. We deserved it.”

When asked if any of the Indian midfielders have impressed him, he immediately mentions Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Lenny Rodrigues.

“Lenny is athletic. He is tall, fit and not to make comparisons, but he is in the mould of Yaya Toure and Patrick Vieira. He needs to learn more, but he is very good,” told Zokora.

Didier Zokora also expressed his optimism that Indian Super League will eventually help the footballing culture in India develop. “I know football in india is overshadowed by cricket. The ISL has just started, only in its second edition, but you have a lot of opportunities, good stadiums, lots of fans. Many people will now look forward to it. It is good, becuase after six or seven years, football could be the best sport in India,” concluded Zokora.