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Earlier this year, Kerala’s Rino Anto became one of the latest entrants into the youthful Indian national setup, led by Head Coach Stephen Constantine. His price tag of Rs 90 lakhs in the Indian Super League’s (ISL) second edition, highlighted the right back’s formidable growth over the past few years. Now first choice at Atletico de Kolkata (ATK), the 27-year old has capped of a stellar year, by donning the national team jersey.
A Tata Football Academy (TFA) graduate, Anto made his foray into professional football with I-league stalwarts Mohun Bagan in 2008. However, a disappointing couple of seasons is Kolkata saw him join Goan outfit Salgaocar in 2010. After playing for a host of clubs, including a return to Mohun Bagan, Anto finally signed for Bengaluru FC in 2013.
In his debut season with the club, Anto went onto lift the I-league title, underlining his credentials as one of India’s finest full-backs.
Now in his first ISL season, the Kerala born defender has returned to Kolkata to ply his trade for the defending champions. He spoke to Sportskeeda about his ISL experience and his journey so far.
Q. Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) picked you in the ISL auctions for Rs.90 lakhs. What were your thoughts about the team then?
Last season, ATK had a strong performance through out ISL season 1 and Antonio Habas is a great coach, so it was a great honor when ATK picked me up in the auction, I want to work really hard and try to retain the title.
Q.How were you introduced to the sport of football?
I am from Kerala, we learn to play football before we learn to walk .I was playing for my school team when one of my father’s friend advised him to send me to a training camp in Thrissur municipal corporation stadium for a training camp, where I was selected for the state team and further got a call from TFA. Then from TFA I signed my first professional contract for Mohun Bagan in 2008.
Q. Having played for Mohun Bagan before, what were your thoughts about the crowd support in Kolkata?
It was 2008-2009 and middle of 2010 I was with MB and yes, Kolkata fans are very passionate and we all have witnessed that they come out in large numbers to support their team. Playing for Mohun Bagan , the fans were divided among the three big clubs but ATK has brought all those fans together and cheer for one team.
Q.How would you describe Ashley Westwood as a Coach?
Ashley Westwood has helped me a great extend. Lot of credit to what ever I achieved goes to him, he is very passionate and he understands each and every player really well.
Q.You went from non payment of salary to signing a professional contract, what impact did that phase of your career have on you?
It was 2012 and it was a very difficult phase of my life, but my family always stood by my side and supported me and my parents always told me one thing i.e. to believe in yourself and never give up on your dream. Then 2013 I signed for Bengaluru Fc.
Q.How has it been working with ATK Head Coach Antonio Habas?
For Antonio every game is like a final, he wants three points in every game. He is incredible with enormous coaching experience. There is so much to learn in every session.
Q.Who is your role model in football?
I have three actually, Paulo Maldini, Jo Paul Ancheri and I M Vijayan
Q.How different is domestic football compared to International football, considering you just made your debut?
In domestic football, you spend a lot more time with your team and with your coach as compared to National team, which makes International football much more difficult to acclimatize. Whatever said and done wearing the national team jersey is the best feeling in the world, it was the best moment of my life.
Q.What are the attributes you learned from playing in the Kerala State League?
Kerala football enjoys great fan support for even State league, so at a young age it taught me how to deal with fans expectations, there is no dearth of talent in Kerala. The State league is very competitive and it gives a great platform for the young players to showcase their talent.
Q. Any future targets?
Honestly, my first main target is to win ISL 2, it is something the entire team wants to do as a collective unit. Secondly, of course proving ourselves in whatever is left in the World Cup qualifiers. Finally, to win the I-league with Bengaluru FC, after narrowly missing out last time, we are hungrier than ever.
