Valderrama exhorts India to make use of the opportunity

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Bengaluru, September: With the FIFA Under-17 World Cup getting near, Colombia's most-capped player Carlos Valderrama has called on the Indian youth to rise to the occasion.

India would be hosting the biennial event from October 6 to 28 across six venues in the country.

The hosts, who are making their debut in the competition are clubbed with Colombia, the United States and Ghana in Group A of the 24-team tournament .

The Luis Norton de Matos-coached squad will begin their campaign with a match against the US on the opening day in New Delhi and Valderrama believes India can make a big impression on the big stage.

"All the big scouts and agents of the world will be watching. So the Indian team should enjoy themselves but the players should grab the opportunity. You don't get too many opportunities in football. This is the moment to shine and stand up," Valderrama said in Mumbai while addressing a press conference during the sidelines of the World Cup Trophy Tour.

Known for his distinctive hairdo, Valderrama was a livewire on the field duirng his heydays. Even at the age of 56, he showed that he has not lost his magic touch while playing an exhibition match featuring the legends like Fernando Morientes, Emmanuel Amunike, Jorge Campos and Marcel Desaill.

Before ending the press conference, the greatest footballer Columbia has ever seen asked Indian youth to make maximum use from the exposure that they get by playing in the Under-17 World Cup.

"For the Indian Under-17 team, this is a huge opportunity. Somebody asked earlier how does an Indian player go to Real Madrid? Well this is your opportunity," added Valderrama, who led his team to three World Cups in the 90's.