BANGALORE : Any dream to come true is paradise in itself and for Ishan Pandita’s football dream to turn reality is sure like paradise fall. The young 17-year-old Bengalurean will now be making it big in the professional big leagues of Europe, reports TOI.
The first ever Indian to be associated in the Under-18 team of UD Almeria, took all the right turns when he took a sabbatical from studies to chase his football career in Spain in 2014. The young striker was taken note off by a scout the previous year during his successful stint with Alcobendas CF in Madrid. However due to Fifa's protection-of-minors clause that affirms international transfers of non-European players to be allowed if they‘re 18 or above.
“As part of their U-18 squad, I live and train with the team and play friendlies with other youth teams. If everything goes to plan, I expect to sign a contract in May next year, which will enable me to play the club's official league games." said the enthusiastic youngster.
Almeria's academy manager, Agustin Sanchez said "It's for the first time we have accepted an Indian player into our club. At first, we had our doubts; so we asked others for their opinion about Ishan before accepting him. We liked he has adapted well to Spanish football".
Ishan, who pursuing his Cambridge A-Level education said “At Almeria, it's a completely different ball game, compared with Indian standards. The technical abilities of players are a lot better and the Spanish coaches are very knowledgeable. Each training session has a complete set of coaching staff, including doctors and a physio."
Read Also: Top 7 Degrees For An Exciting Future
The 10 Truly Weird Scholarships Students Can Get
