'Some players are massive Ronaldo fans': Mumbai City FC defender Rahul Bheke

Mumbai City FC have been drawn against Al Hilal SFC, FC Nassaji Mazandaran and PFC Navbahor Namangan in Group D of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League, following the draw conducted by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, August 24, 2023.

3 things you need to know

• Mumbai will host Al Hilal on 6th November at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune
• The likes of Neymar could be visiting India for the first time
• Mumbai will host all their AFC matches in Pune

Also Read: Karim Benzema gifts penalty to teammate after scoring his first goal for Al-Ittihad- WATCH

This draw means Indian fans could get a glimpse of Brazilian sensation Neymar, who recently switched his allegiance to Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain. But Mumbai have shifted their base to the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune for this particular competition and they will be conducting their home matches from there.

After the draw, Mumbai City FC organised a virtual press meet where defender Rahul Bheke and coach Des Buckingham answered some questions.

On facing Neymar in Pune

Des Buckingham: We will have to introduce him to Mumbai's local favourite Vada Pav, we'll have to introduce him to some local favourite food here and see how he enjoys that. No plan. When you can bring the world's best players and have the opportunity for them to visit India, it's great for our football system.

Get people to tune into what happens here. People will have the opportunity to come and see the players here closer. Once in a lifetime opportunity for fans to witness the level of quality football on the pitch. Yes no particular plan right now. The more we get closer to that game, the more we'll have a look at that.

Also Read: 'Neymar is coming to India': Internet explodes as Al Hilal drawn with Mumbai City FC

Rahul Bheke: I am excited. Whenever we'll be playing against them, I am super excited. If I get to play that match. I will try my best to stop him from playing. That's what I can do for my team.

On Cristiano Ronaldo

Rahul Bheke: “Some players are massive Ronaldo fans, so they wanted to play Al Nassr. We wanted to face one of the three teams, but we are super excited to get Al Hilal.”