Liverpool Legend Jamie Carragher today opened the Reds’ International Football Academy in Pune, making this his first official representation of the Club since his retirement in 2013.

The Liverpool FC International Football Academy - DSK Shivajians, which is India's very-first residential football academy in partnership with a top-flight club, was announced in October last year.

Since then a three-month scouting programme, visiting six Indian cities including, Aizawl, Shillong, Goa, Mumbai, Delhi and Pune, run by LFC coaches Ray Curtis and Michael Rice has identified 64 talented players who will form the first intake of the Academy's U17s and U19s, servicing local football club, DSK Shivajians.

"I was at Liverpool's Academy for six years before I went on to playing in the first team for 17 years. I know first-hand how important it is to have the right development as a young player to fulfil your potential" said Jamie Carragher.

"The players, who will make up the U17s and U19s squads, will follow Liverpool's philosophies both on and off the pitch. The kids are from all over the country and some of them have been awarded scholarships so this will be a life-changing experience for them. The Academy back in Liverpool is very close to my heart so it's great to be here today and be part of the opening of India's first international residential football academy" he added.

The Reds, who have a strong fan base in India with over 93 million followers, and DSK Shivajians believe the new International Football Academy will help develop the game in a country where football is growing.

Shirish Kulkarni, President of Liverpool FC International Football Academy - DSK Shivajians commented: "Today I stand here feeling extremely proud to see the dream of associating with my favourite team in the world Liverpool FC and building a world class football Academy in India turn into reality. The country is now embracing the potential of this sport and today we are witnessing growing interest in terms of its acceptance and the investments being made. We hope to contribute significantly with this venture. With the world class facilities, infrastructure and supervision of coaches from Liverpool FC we are confident of nurturing the talent right here and creating a true legacy in the country."

The Academy is located at the DSK International Campus at Loni, on the outskirts of Pune. It is a purpose-built residential complex with 840 air-conditioned and fully furnished single rooms. Facilities include two full-size pitches, one 4G synthetic turf and one natural grass, an outdoor swimming pool, lecture theatre, classrooms, changing rooms, a gym, canteen and convenience store.