‘ Ready to play for free in West’
Goalkeeper Subrata Pal has guarded the India net with consistency and athleticism over the last few years. However, a knee injury during the Federation Cup in September last year pushed Pal to the sidelines. After a sixmonth lay off, the 26- year- old recently made a return for Pune FC in the ILeague.
In this interview Pal speaks about the time generation following the league on social networking websites. Matches are being broadcast live on television and it’s reaching all corners. Boys who come from affluent backgrounds are taking up the sport— I rate that as one of the most positive developments. You have played for the big two ( East Bengal and Mohun Bagan) in Kolkata and are now an integral part of Pune. How would you describe your
stint with Pune? Playing for Kolkata’s big two stays the dream of every Indian footballer. But there have been hard phases during my stint with the two clubs. Here in Pune FC, I’m a satisfied person. The management stays concerned about the players and the positive mindset stays infectious. Do you still nurture the dream of playing abroad? Certainly, I did get an offer from an Asian club but it came at a time when I was nursing my knee injury. My dream stays to play in Europe. There’s an opinion that Indian footballers don’t want to venture out as the amount of money involved in Indian domestic football is much higher. What’s your take? I can’t comment on behalf of other players. But money has never been the priority for me. Sure, money does matter but that has never been my driving force. I’m ready to play for free if someone gives me a chance ( to play in the West).