Kolkata: The players draft for Indian Super League 2017 was held today in Mumbai where ten franchises picked players through draft system. More than 200 Indian players were the part of this draft and among them the ten franchises have roped in 134 players for their respective sides. Among those 134 footballers there were many who have returned to the main stream of Indian football courtesy to the Indian Super League. While talking to the www.xtratime.in all these players shared their thoughts after getting a chance in the ISL 2017.
Former East Bengal star central defender and Anwar Ali suffered major heart-attack during a practice session last season and was hospitalized for few days. After that he has recovered well and according to the doctors he is now fully fit. Anwar will play a key role in two time ISL champions Atletico de Kolkata’s defence as they picked the tall defender for the current season.
On his fitness Anwar said,” The hospital, where I was admitted after my cardiac arrest has given me the fit certificate to play again. Before the draft I had to go through various medical tests and the doctors there too declared me to. I am working hard at the gym and hope I will help my side to defend the title.”
Veteran goalkeeper Abhra Mondal has always been regarded as the comeback man in Indian football. He was removed from the East Bengal squad after the appointment of new coach. Abhra wasn’t a part a part of the Red & Gold Brigade as he was not in the list of the then manager Trevor James Morgan last season. But he was confident that nobody could take away football from his feat.
”During my days in East Bengal, I used to practice with the U-15 and U17 boys to become match fit. After that I played for Chennai City FC but there too I didn’t get much chances as Karanjit was also there. Though I had believed that bad times would pass away very soon,” said Abhra.
On being asked whether the young footballers can take some inspiration from him, Abhra replied,” I just want to tell everyone that whatever you are doing in life if you are dedicated to it you will be definitely successful one day. One can fail one or two times but the love for the job would help him to overcome all the obstacles after a period.”
Abhra was very happy that he has joined Bengaluru FC in the cash-rich League. According to him BFC is the most professional club among all the ISL and I-League clubs.
“I am glad that BFC have bought me who are by far the most professional team in India keeping Mohun Bagan and East Bengal both the teams in my mind. BFC bought me with rigorous intent and has plans to feature me in the games. I am very happy at the present moment and all I can say that if you love something then you shouldn’t leave it. Every player experiences a development after joining BFC and I hope the same will happen for me. Bengaluru has a coach like Albert Roca who had managed big clubs like Barcelona and Galatasaray and the valuable tips from him will definitely help me to play well.”
Former Indian international Ashim Biswas had played in all three top clubs East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting Club when he was in prime of his career. But injuries had restricted him to play for long in any side. Today till the 14th round nobody had bought Ashim Biswas and the veteran started to believe that nobody buy him in the final round, but in a few moments Shouvik Chakraborty called him and congratulated him by saying that the new franchise Jamshedpur have picked both of them for the upcoming season.
“All of a sudden Shouvik called me and informed that Tata have roped both of us. After listening to this I got a bit nostalgic while remembering that one day Mehtab, Subrata Paul and I played together in Mohun Bagan. Again I will play with Mehtab for the same team. We will share the same dressing room. Everyone knows that Mehtab is a great footballer. Once he said that I am the best Bengali striker he has ever seen, which is a big compliment for me,” said Ashim.
Legendary Manchester United footballer Steve Coppell is the new coach of Jamshedpur side. Ashim had a chat regarding Coppell with Mehtab few days back.” I told him that during Coppell’s stint with Kerala Blasters I used to see him only standing beside the sideline calmly. But Menhtab told me that he is a brilliant tactician and his one move can change any game in a whisker,” added Biswas.
Ashim is also confident that he will do well for his side in his first ISL.”I just want to say I hadn’t gone to the draft just to get picked in any side. I will give my level best on the field to regain my old form. I am thankful to Shouvik Charaborty too. He is just like my younger brother and only for him I went to the draft as he told me to do that. Shouvik told me that still I have football left in me. He arranged all these for me and I owe him a lot for these,” concluded Biswas.
Former East Bengal winger Bikash Jairu was roped in by Jamshedpur today as well. Bikash couldn’t play most of the matches last season due to his injury. On being asked about getting a chance in the new franchise, Jairu said,” I am very happy that Jamshedpur has given me a chance to play for their side and I will try my level best to give my hundred percent under the new coach. I am happy too that my former teammates from East Bengal will play here with me.”
Last year, Augustin Fernandes played for FC Pune City but he was injured after the second match of the ISL and couldn’t feature the rest of the season. Though Augustine is still recovering from his injury he is confident that he will do well in the forthcoming season,” I want to get fit first and will try to get in the first XI and give my level best for the team,” said Augustin.