Kolkata, Sep 27 (IANS): Tennis star Leander Paes is keen to become an ambassador for the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to help in the game's growth in the country.

"...I am a big lover of football. As I grew up, as a young kid, and in my youth, I had spent a lot of time playing football. If I can motivate young children to show them with a small leather ball you can travel the world," said Paes while addressing a programme here.

"So if football federation is looking for someone who can be the brand, I am all too willing to help in my own little way."

Senior vice-president of AIFF Subrata Dutta said he is eager to have Leander as the brand ambassador of Indian football.

"I will have a word with (All India Football Federation president) Praful Patel before confirming it to Leander. But as the senior vice president of AIFF I am too eager to have him as the brand ambassador of Indian football. I will be really happy. It will do wonders to Indian football," said Dutta.

When asked whether he felt the game has not been properly marketed in the country, Leander said: "Football is the number one global sport because of marketing. So many nations play football and they are affiliated to FIFA. It is wonderful to see corporate sponsorship coming nowadays to football."