English defender Johnson ready for new challenge in ISL

English footballer Roger Johnson says that hunger for new challenge and huge popularity of the Indian Super League has prompted him to choose to play in the ISL by joining FC Pune City.

32-year-old Johnson brings a wealth of experience to FC Pune City, having played nearly 500 games in the Premier League and Football League in England, for clubs like Cardiff City, Birmingham City, West Ham and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“ISL is a new challenge for me. The hunger for this new challenge and adventure has pushed me to be a part of ISL and I am looking forward to this new adventure in my career. I feel the league has got tremendous potential and has garnered huge popularity already. It’s an intriguing prospect for me and I am looking forward to making a mark for myself here,” Johnson said in a conference call.

“England is definitely the best league in the <g data-gr-id="26">world</g> but India is going to be a new challenge. It goes without saying playing under watchful eyes of David Platt is going to be a completely new experience <g data-gr-id="23">all together</g>,” he added.

He said that the presence of several English players under former Manchester City assistant boss Platt made him feel like home in Pune.

“Well, it feels at home for me here in Pune. I have Nickey (Shorey) and Steve (Simonsen) through my Premier League days, and there is a fantastic camaraderie which all of us share. David (Platt) is one of the finest managers to work with and a renowned name across Europe his expertise is definitely helping the team well and we are well on course for the season,” said the <g data-gr-id="22">six-foot three-inch</g> tall defender.