Japanese Arata Izumi at Pune FC a possible for Team India

Interview with Arata Izumi (Neelkanth). Izumi is a Japanese football player playing for Pune FC. As a mid-fielder/winger, he has particularly been noted for his pace. Born to an Indian father and Japanese mother, his stint in India has been more than just a footballing journey. Arata got married recently in India and if the opportunity to play for India presents itself, he has expressed his willingness to do so.

We spoke to Arata about his experiences in India and Indian football.

Harmit: Hello Arata, lets start with what positions do you play in?

Arata Izumi: I have played in various positions throughout my career from being a Winger and striker, center Midfielder, left and right back

Harmit: And when did you start playing football?

Arata Izumi: I started playing at the age of 10.

Harmit: Where did you play football as a youngster?

Arata Izumi: Japan Soccer College

Arata Izumi for Pune FC

Harmit: You have played for various clubs if I am right ?

Arata Izumi: Yes I played for Japan Soccer College, Albirex Singapore (Singapore), Mitubishi Mizushima FC (Japanese Football League), Kingfisher East Bengal FC (India), Mahindra United(India) and now I am with Pune FC (India).

Harmit: People, Sports persons & Teams that you admire ?

Arata Izumi: I adore and admire my mom. There are many sportspersons I like watching among which the standouts are Rentarou Miyaoka, Kazuyoshi Miura. I am a fan of Chelsea FC and I delight in my club Pune FC.

Harmit: Diverging a little from football, what is your favourite food?

Arata Izumi: I love Dosa, Butter Chicken and all kinds of Paneer.

Harmit: Favourite kind of music ?

Arata Izumi: Jazz, Softrock, R&B

Harmit: Some of your happiest football moments ?

Arata Izumi: When I signed with my first professional contract paper.

Harmit: Some of your sad moments ?

Arata Izumi: There have been many.

Harmit: Your football related goals and ambition

Arata Izumi: Go as far as I can

Harmit: Favourite sport other than football ?

Arata Izumi: I love all sports but take a special interest in Tennis.

Harmit: What do you like to do for fun?

Arata Izumi: Be with my friends

Harmit:Your best friends in Indian football

Arata Izumi: Gaurav Sharma

Harmit:Your impression of India – how is different to what you had expected when you got here?

Arata Izumi: I didn’t have any preformed ideas about India, it was a new experience for me.

Harmit: Any superstitions before or during a game

Arata Izumi: No. I do not believe in superstitions.

Harmit: Your favorite place, where you like to play ?

Arata Izumi for Kingfisher East Bengal

Arata Izumi: Pune and Kolkota

Harmit: Who do you confide it and seek guidance from when it comes to football ?

Arata Izumi: My brother

Harmit: Who do you credit for the most for being what you are today?

Arata Izumi: My mom and my two aunts and my brother.

Harmit: What did you think is your strength as a player?

Arata Izumi: I can play every position so I can give lots of option for team. I am fast with and without the ball and a physically strong player on the pitch. I am capable of unleashing powerful shots from both legs.

Harmit: If you were not a footballer, what would you have been?

Arata Izumi: Violinist, swimmer, jockey, policeman and more and more,,I had lots of dreams when I was kid.

A happy couple: Arata Izumi and his Indian wife

Harmit: The best coaches that you have played under so far?

Arata Izumi: Yusuke Adachi

Harmit: What are some of the differences you have found between East Bengal & Pune FC ?

Arata Izumi: I feel lots of potential in Pune FC.

Harmit: Do you have an Indian name?

Arata Izumi: Neelkanth

Harmit: Now that you are married to an Indian, are you thinking of getting Indian citizenship and would you be open to playing for the Indian team?

Arata Izumi: If they approach me in the near future then I would very much be happy to play for India.

Many thanks for sparing the time for Sportskeeda.