“We are erecting a statue of (Portugal’s Cristiano) Ronaldo in this park and another statue of (Argentina’s Diego) Maradona in the football field of Candolim, to inspire the young people of Goa,” Michael Lobo told journalists.

“This is a village of football lovers and a lot of young people play here,” said Lobo, after opening a multi-purpose park in Candolim, located in his constituency of Calangute.

Football is the official sport in Goa, an Indian state with several top football teams like Dempo Sports Club, Salgaocar Football Club and Churchill Brothers Sports Club, which play in the country's top divisions.