“I think Girona vs. Mumbai City,” is how Dutch player Daley Blind addresses Indian supporters.

“I think Girona vs. Mumbai City,” is how Dutch player Daley Blind addresses Indian supporters, making a significant Michel-Guardiola comment. Daley Blind has been a mainstay for the Netherlands national team and is regarded as one of the best Dutch players of his time.

Blind made his debut for his country’s team in February 2013, and since then, he has established himself as a regular in the starting lineup. Blind initially gained notoriety abroad for his absurd assist to Robin van Persie in the Netherlands’ World Cup opener against Spain.

Later in the game, he also helped Arjen Robben as the Dutch defeated the eventual victors 5-1. Due to his excellent vision, Blind is a very versatile player who plays primarily left defense but can also play center defense and defensive midfield.

The Dutchman moved to Premier League powerhouse Manchester United for 13.8 million pounds after his incredible performance at the 2014 World Cup.

Like his other United teammates, Blind was not up to the high expectations of his supporters, who saw him as their defensive midfield answer in the post-Alex Ferguson era. Alongside Chris Smalling, he started the 2016–17 Premier League season as the starting center back after his defensive midfield debut did not quite live up to expectations.

However, Marcus Rojo and Phil Jones beat him for the position. Later that season, Blind made his debut for United in their 2-0 victory over his old team, Ajax, in the Europa League final.

In 2018, Blind signed a four-year contract to return to Ajax following the Europa League final. Regaining his form, he helped lead a team that included David Neres, Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Dusan Tadic, and Hakim Ziyech to the 2018–19 Champions League semifinal.

In 2023, Blind is making his living in Spain, playing for Girona, the surprise team that is leading La Liga at the moment. He brought a wealth of experience to Girona, having spent several months this year representing Bayern Munich.

In addition to owning Girona, the City Football Group also owns a 65 percent share in Mumbai City, an Indian Super League team. Apart from their 100% ownership of Manchester City and Mumbai City, they also hold 47% of Girona, 80% of New York City, 80% of Palermo, and so on.

It wouldn’t be shocking if Girona decided to travel to India and play Mumbai City in a friendly or as part of a preseason tour, given that European teams are attempting to increase their presence in the Indian market. It’s excellent news for Indian football fans that Blind said that “if there is a connection”.

Girona has won ten games, drawn one, and lost two, giving them 31 points in 12 games, good for first place in La Liga right now.

They lead the regular championship contenders Real Madrid (second), Barcelona (third), and Atletico Madrid (third) in goals scored thus far this season (29). Artem Dovbyk, a striker from Ukraine, has been a vital member of the White and Reds and leads them in La Liga goals scored with nine this year.

The 26-year-old scored during their most recent 4-2 triumph over Osasuna. Blind brought up Dovbyk’s significance to the group. “We hold Dovbyk in the highest regard. He is a true target man who is passionate about scoring goals. He is quite talented,” he remarked.