Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer embarked on his India journey in Bengaluru, where he met with India’s T20 star Suryakumar Yadav at an event in the city. During their interaction, Solskjaer advised Suryakumar to cherish his playing career while it lasts.
Suryakumar, who currently sits atop the T20I rankings for batters, shared with Solskjaer his recent struggles with injuries, having undergone surgeries for an ankle injury sustained during India’s tour of South Africa in December, followed by another surgery for a sports hernia in January.
“Sometimes you need that time off just to refresh your head and go again,” said Solskjaer.
Solskjaer empathized with Suryakumar’s situation, acknowledging the toll cricket had taken on him, and expressing the importance of taking breaks to rejuvenate. The meeting culminated in a photo opportunity where Solskjaer held up Suryakumar’s India jersey while Suryakumar held a Manchester United shirt, symbolizing their mutual respect and admiration.
“Enjoy it as long as you can, It is always best when you are active. Don’t retire too early,” said the Norwegian.
Solskjaer imparted some parting words of wisdom to Suryakumar, urging him to savour his active years in sports and not retire prematurely. Reflecting on his own career, Solskjaer, famous for his historic goal in the 1999 Champions League final, expressed his desire to return to management, craving the pressure and thrill of top-level football after his tenure with Manchester United.
“I’ve got at least one club job in me. It has to be an interesting one, somewhere, an adventure, somewhere, I can be myself. No disrespect, but after you’ve managed Manchester United for three years, it’s like, where do you go?
“Yeah, of course, I want to feel that pressure again. You know, when you see the games, you miss it,” Solskjaer concluded,
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