Former Arsenal and England defender Sol Campbell believes India is on the "right path" towards becoming a footballing powerhouse, but urged fans to be patient and stick behind the team as "big changes can't happen overnight".
Campbell, who is in India as part of the FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG) that analyses events on the pitch, was speaking to the media in Kolkata minutes before the start of the Under-17 World Cup final, and he raised his glass to what he felt had been a "successful" tournament over the past month.
"India has its own DNA. You have to understand how to play the game, win matches and qualify," he said. "There's a need to find your DNA and then figure out how to bring in expertise. Everything comes from experience. The more games India plays against more opponents, that's how you learn.
"India have to start somewhere. Lot of countries have gone 50 to 100 years ahead, but you are on the right path. Having an U-17 World Cup is a good start. The centre for excellence here in Kolkata and around the country I have heard about will help. It can't happen overnight - and of course, you have cricket here - but the more centres you have, and the more conversations there are with FIFA, they will all kick in and eventually help."
Campbell not only gave his "thumbs up" to the "fantastic" stadiums around the country, but was especially impressed by the quality of play on display from teams throughout this World Cup.
"The quality is fantastic. Just looking at players, their physical condition is so good and that's down to coaches around the world. Even 10 or 15 years ago, only few countries were doing it properly. That's an improvement. Today, the level of skill, knowledge of the game and tactics have gone up a few notches."
One particular country that has gone up more than just a few notches in recent months is Cambell's very own England, with the Under-20 team winning the World Cup in June, while the Under-17 side has exceeded expectations by making the final in India. Campbell, who has been a part of three World Cup squads for the senior team without ever making it past the quarter-finals, tipped his hat towards a talented and promising bunch of youngsters.
"It's all about the future now. Even the Under-20s, that's fantastic for England. These guys need to have avenues for the first teams. It's good to see, and competition for each position is where it should be. St George's Park are doing a fantastic job on the fitness and tactical side. But it's important how they go into the first teams from here.
"The problem lies in how it gets transferred to domestic teams. Either they have to be outstanding or have a sympathetic manager. You need them to play in the Champions League week in, week out."
One way of tackling this problem, Campbell feels, is by handing out professional contracts to players even at a young age.
"For me if you're good enough, if you are the right age, contract is not a problem. The sooner you get into the system, the better. How you react, how you train and how you live on and off the field is all that matters. A pro-contract helps you become the best player you can be."