Global LFC Family: India

In fact, of the 196 countries in the world today, only seven account for more traffic to the official website than India and that's why, in this week's Global LFC Family installment, we'd like you to meet our man in Delhi...

Name: Kaushal Goyal
Age: 34 
City / country: Delhi, India
Job: I used to have a career in corporate finance but over the past 18 months or so I've been working on setting up a football-only e-store in India and for Liverpool FC on some official projects in India.

Why did you pick Liverpool as your team?

It all happened because of a certain Michael Owen. I watched his goal in the '98 World Cup and then tried to follow the team he played for at club level. It led me to pick Liverpool on my first ever copy of FIFA that year. I feel that it was just meant to be. Although there was no process like who's winning or who has a better record, I couldn't have picked a better team even if there was one.

What's your earliest LFC memory?

I was in college when I started following football and there were very few television sets around. The internet hadn't really happened either. Subsequently I moved to US for my masters and while there was television, there was no football on it. So the earliest memory has to be following LFC in newspapers and later on the internet and enjoying some banter with those who followed other clubs.

How did people in your country follow Liverpool's fortunes at first?

I'd say it was cable television's advent in the '90s when people started following football. Naturally a lot would have picked up Liverpool and followed the Reds on TV. Slowly newspapers became more populated with football news.

Was it difficult to find out news or see the match?

For me, yes. As I mentioned, I started following Liverpool when there was no TV in my college housing. Then I was in the States with TV but no football on TV. I assume others had difficulties too. Without the internet, you're left to the mercy of broadcasters and newspapers. But they all cover the Premier League extensively now. In fact, we get more live Liverpool games in India than the UK audience does.

Who was your first LFC hero and why?

Michael Owen. It was his goal in the '98 World Cup that got me interested in the club.

What is your favourite LFC memory?

Istanbul. I know a lot of events are called 'miracles' but if there really was one, it was Istanbul. I also cherish what happened at Old Trafford in March 2009.

Who has been your favourite Liverpool manager and why?

Shanks and Paisley, of course, but I didn't watch them so I suppose I need to choose from those who I've watched. Rafa achieved so much for us but for the sheer impact of Kenny in 2011, the positive turnaround, the mood, the stability that he gave us, the smiles he put back on our faces and simply because he's been such a legend, he'll take the spot. I think Brendan will soon be up there.

What has been your lowest point supporting Liverpool?

Undoubtedly late August to October 15, 2010. Terrible results, bankrupt owners, talk of administration, parked in and around relegation zone! I wouldn't wish those times on any of our rivals (except one or two, maybe). A distant second was Torres leaving.

Have you ever been to Anfield?

Sadly not. That's a massive aberration in my life, one that I intend to correct this coming season.

Where were you in Istanbul?

The season was a real hectic one for me personally work wise and it was also my first year of marriage. I could only follow the Reds through internet and newspapers and watch  the occasional game on TV. But there was no way I could miss a European final. I was at home and watched every single second of the game. My wife's temper next morning about the noise I created confirmed to me that I didn't dream it.

Do Liverpool have a passionate fan base where you're from?

Extremely! I am privileged to know some of these fans. Some of the youngest ones would embarrass the most die-hard older supporters, as they'd know the lyrics to probably each and every chant. Some fans in Mumbai even make their own Bollywood-style chants!

Which team are considered Liverpool's biggest rivals in your country?

Man United has to be the top rival. It's got more to do with the fact that since Indians got exposed to football, Man United have won a lot. I know some who started supporting Chelsea because they wear blue, which is India's national colour. These days there are a lot of Barca fans as well.

Where do you go online to follow news about LFC?

@LFC on Twitter are the quickest. The official site has great content too. @LFCIndia offers a lot more interaction. There are a host of journalists I follow on Twitter as I'm a sucker for all the transfer gossip.

Do you also support a local team?

Oh no. First, we have an average local set-up but even if it was better, I really do not have the bandwidth to support anyone except LFC.

Who is your favourite current player and why?

Luis Suarez. Apart from the skills and technique part of his game, I love the desire and passion he has. And I believe that the own goals scored by Essien at Anfield and Baines at Goodison Park were actually Luis playing the football off the defender into the goal. 

If you could meet anyone connected to Liverpool FC - past or present - who would it be and why?

I'd love to meet Jamie Carragher but we won't be able to have much of a conversation given our respective accents. I've met Ian Rush and Steve McMahon from the past and I'd love to meet King Kenny. From the present, I'd like to meet Luis Suarez and tell him, 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.

What makes you most proud to be a Liverpool supporter?

Everything. Be it the football, our captain, the manager, the history, the loyalties of players like Jamie, the campaign for justice, the support for Joshua Jackson, Istanbul, Cardiff, everything and mostly the diversity, belief and passion of the fans!

Finally, what does 'the Liverpool way' mean to you?

Doing things with honesty, dignity, and class, not losing hope and being there for others. 'The right way,' if you will. 

Click here to follow @LFCIndia on Twitter>>

Click here to become a Fan of the LFC India Facebook page>>

Check out earlier interviews from our Global LFC Family series:

South Africa - Melissa Reddy>>
Thailand - Jeerawan Duangnam Herriot>>
Australia - Wayne Psaila>>
Mexico - Victor Alvarado>>
Indonesia - Andhika Sarwendha Suksmana>>
Nepal - Nischal Adhikari>>
Ghana - Aristo Dotse>>