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For the first time in their careers Indian footballers had no say about their future as they were part of the first day of the domestic player draft in the Indian Super League in Mumbai on Tuesday. Here is how some of the players reacted.
Subrata Pal (Goalkeeper, Mumbai) – “It is an honour to be a part of the Mumbai franchise. I think the ISL will provide us a platform to attract offers from abroad.”
Syed Rahim Nabi (Wingback/Wide Midfielder, Mumbai) – “For the first time in my career I will be playing outside Kolkata so I am looking forward to this challenge. There was a nervous excitement before the draft and I am happy to be picked by the Mumbai franchise.”
Lenny Rodrigues (Central Midfielder, Pune) – “I am thrilled to be a part of the Indian Super League and will give everything for the Pune franchise.”
Dharmaraj Ravanan (Central Defender, Pune) – “I was looking forward to the ISL drafts and am happy to be part of the Pune team. Hopefully we will work together as a unit and be successful.”
Arnab Mondal (Central Defender, Atletico de Kolkata) – “Being a Bengali I am delighted to be chosen by the Kolkata franchise. There is no point analysing teams now, we will know which team has the best selection when the tournament starts.
Denzil Franco (Right Back, Atletico de Kolkata) – “It is the dream of any Indian footballer to play in Kolkata and finally I have got this chance. I am looking forward to the training and will work hard to help my franchise.”
Ishfaq Ahmed (Wide Midfielder, Kerala Blasters) – “I can’t wait to play for the Kerala franchise as I will be playing under my favourite coach Trevor (Morgan) and to add to that, it will be the team of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.”
Harmanjot Khabra (Defensive Midfielder/Wingback, Bengaluru) – “Hearing that I was the first choice of Bengaluru it gives me confidence and I want to repay my faith to them by performing well on the pitch.”
Gouramangi Singh (Central Defender, Bengaluru) – “It was a different feeling as this time we were getting picked by a team but more importantly the league is finally set to start now. Hopefully like in the I-League last year, Bangalore will turn out in numbers for the ISL also.”
