Back to the roots

“It’s a children’s charity and I got involved in it through my wife. The charity’s main task it to help out the therapy centres,” Taylor said. The footballer’s community work off the field has also seen him lift the Club Ambassador of the Year award at Swansea City.

Football has the power to unite. On the other hand,it continues to be divisive with racism rearing its ugly head again. And the Swans left-back feels it’s very difficult to eradicate the problem. “The authorities are not strict enough. They have taken a conformist policy. Although,the situation is better than what it used to be in the 1970s and 80s. But there still remains a big scope for improvement. It’s basically about proper education and everyone, from players to coaches to parents,has a responsibility,” said Taylor.

Taylor witnessed both highs and lows last season. If representing Great Britain in the Olympics and playing alongside Ryan Giggs was the high point,the ankle injury in September that rendered him hors de combat for seven months was the toughest period. The injury occurred during Swansea’s 2-2 draw with Sunderland,when he collided with Craig Gardner. Does he still begrudge the Black Cats midfielder?

“No,no it was actually my fault,” said Taylor,smiling. “But yes,it had been a tough period. It was never easy to miss out on so many matches. We won the League Cup…It’s never easy to get back your place in the team after such a long lay-off. It’s tough to break the mental barrier. I’m fit now and looking forward to the (upcoming) season.”

Rated highly in the Premier League,Taylor impressed Sir Alex Ferguson,who wanted him at Old Trafford two years ago. Arsene Wenger had shown interest last year. But Swansea City turned down the offers. Taylor doesn’t have any complaints.

“Swansea are one of the best models in football…about how to achieve success with limited means and maximise your resources. I have had a great time here. Brendan Rodgers had been a huge influence when he was the manager. Now Laudrup is taking us forward. Jeremy Jones too was inspirational when I was a little kid and had only started playing the game. He taught me how to go for a tackle. He told me not to give up.”

Taylor believes Premiership would be different this time without Sir Ferguson but Jose Mourinho’s arrival will give the tournament a different dimension. But how about returning to Manchester City,where it all started for him as a 15-year-old?

“Surely I would love to go back to City. But,at the moment,I’m happy at Swansea,” he said.

Taylor is excited to hear that the Indian football authorities are trying to come up with a franchise-based IPL-style football tournament. “This is fantastic. This can put Indian football on global stage if (it is) properly planned and implemented. I watch IPL. It’s huge.”

Taylor,who has found Neymar the “toughest forward” to play against and idolises Roberto Carlos,is also very hopeful about the Welsh national team finally playing on the big stages. “With Gareth Bale leading the charge and so many talented players around,I believe we are now ready for the World Cup and Euro finals. Also,this time there would be two Welsh clubs in the Premier League. Swansea City versus Cardiff City is going to be a marquee fixture,” the affable and ever-smiling star said,signing off.