Tim Cahill recalls Subrata Paul’s brilliance against Australia in 2011 AFC Asian Cup

Tim Cahill, the Australian and former Everton forward praised the professionalism and dedication of former Indian No 1 Subrata Paul. Cahill claims these qualities has helped Subrata to remain at the peak of his game throughout his career.

Cahill message to Subrata Paul was shown during Paul’s live conversation with the AIFF TV:

“Off the park, one of the best things about him is his commitment and professionalism. In the game, he is second to none.”

“The title ‘Spiderman’ that he got in the game against us and obviously all the games that he played in 2011 Asian Cup was because he was on the top of his game because of his work ethic. I was lucky enough to have played with him in Jamshedpur. He was always working tirelessly, before and after training, always” – Cahill added.

“For all the youngsters, I think he is a great example. I remember the game so vividly. He was everywhere. In the end, we shared a chat and we still talk about the game when we are together.

“I think his role to the India national Team is really important for his experience as in possibly going into coaching hopefully.  He might be a key figure for the next generation on the park but for sharing his experience for professionalism.” – Cahill expressed.

Subrata mentioned Cahill as a humble individual who looks after everybody inside and outside the team:

“Tim’s dedication is incredible. But what makes him great is that he is such a down-to-earth guy. He’ll make you feel like you’ve been friends with him for 15 years. When he was with us at Jamshedpur FC, he used to take care of everyone from the senior boys, to the junior boys, the kitman, and all others.” – Paul said.

Until appearing in the Hero ISL for Jamshedpur FC, Paul and Cahill already encountered each other when India was playing Australia in their first game of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar. Though the Socceroos dominated the match 4-0 with Cahill had scored on couple of occasion.

“Seven years after that game he came to Jamshedpur to play in the Hero ISL. When he joined the camp and we met each other and shook hands, Tim said to me, ‘I remember you, mate.’ I was really lucky to have played alongside him.” – Paul recalled.

Schwarzer exchanged jerseys with Subrata Paul after the game:

Mark Schwarzer, Australian goalkeeper at the time was so enthralled by Paul ‘s performance in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup that after the game he headed up to the Indian dressing room, asking Paul to exchange jerseys.

“We had lost the match. But later he came into our dressing room. I was taken aback when he wanted to swap shirts. Generally, I don’t swap shirts because I hold the National Team jersey in high esteem. But when a global star like him came up to swap shirts, I was on cloud nine,” Paul said in the live chat.

“We (India and Australia) were staying at the same hotel. So, before the next game against Bahrain, I went up to him and got his jersey autographed as well. I was really motivated by his gesture. I took a picture with him too, and I have that picture at home in my room,” Paul continued.

“There’s a saying in Bengali – je joto noto hoy, se toto boro joy (more the humble you are, greater the human being you’ll be). He’s such a big player came to me and asked for my jersey, it just shows how humble he is. Humility is one of the biggest things I’ve learnt from him.” – Paul concluded.

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