'No one a star in India except a cricketer or actor'

John Abraham swears by the fact that he lives and breathes fitness, football and motor cycling.

However, when it comes to dribbling this Bollywood actor looks a novice.

The Indian football players signed up with the IMG-Reliance League tried to make this celebrity feel at home when he turned up at the Cooperage ground in Mumbai last week. They made sure to send all passes to him, but even when ideally placed inside the box, Johnnyboy failed to get his name on the scorers’ sheet.

The actor- producer recently lent his support to the upcoming IPL-style IMG-Reliance League and declared, “Football is part of my DNA.”

The desi boy emphasized that it is important for celebrities to contribute to sport.

 “It is unfortunate that our country does not boast of athletics or swimming stars. No one is a star in India except a cricketer or a Bollywood personality,” moaned the 40-year-old actor who flaunts a well-toned body.

The Madras Café star was effusive in praise of Shah Rukh Khan.

 “SRK,” he said, “is doing a lot for sports and it’s very credible. If all of us can do what he is doing, it will be great.”

One of India’s most successful male models, Abraham said if he could afford he would buy a franchise in the IMG-R league. And he will have “no doubt in going for the best player in the business - Neymar!”

”I am a big fan of this new kid,” he said, falling short of adjectives for the Brazilian playmaker.

This avid football fan said he follows the “unluckiest club in the English Premier League - Liverpool”, adding, “I make the time to follow football league in India too.

"Our Indian footballers too are brilliant!”