I had my heart set on football, expresses Aryan

Herald: How do you feel about getting selected for the Indian National U15 training camp?

Aryan Salunke: I am really delighted, a little nervous to be honest. I did not expect to get selected; I am still not able to digest it since the time I checked the results online.

H: How was your childhood like?  

AS: When I was 8 years of age, I started enjoying football. I used to play all day with my friends in Valpoi. Whenever I used to touch and play with the ball, I felt I was born to do it. Some of the skills that made me different were holding the ball, passing it accurately and shooting. I used to practice them every day after school. I joined a local academy, I used to play regularly. My father was a cricketer and he used to teach me but I had my heart set on football. 

H: How has been the support in your family throughout your football journey?

AS: It was not an easy decision for my parents to enrol me in a residential academy. My mother was worried that I might neglect my studies because of football. They were against it initially but I just asked for a year’s time. My father has also supported me throughout the training sessions and football games. Both of my parents used to come and see me play during the matches. I used to invite them so they can see my hard work and dedication towards the sport. This is my big break and my parents are now convinced that I have taken the opportunity I was waiting for one year. I filled the forms myself online, I knew this is the chance I cannot afford to miss.

H: Who all have been instrumental in shaping your footballing journey until now?

AS: Sesa Football Academy actually shaped and helped me with techniques that I could not execute during the games before. The coaches and the technical director have always given me individual attention I require. My parents used to notice my mistakes, weak points during the games and used to note them down. After the game, they spent time with me and helped me a lot. I used to work on those mistakes in practice the next day. The teammates have also motivated me to perform better. Even during the games, they keep guiding and instructing me if I made mistakes. The weaknesses that were identified gave me a chance to work upon them and have been the most instrumental in my team selection for Indian National U-15 training camp.

H: Which football position are you comfortable in? At what time you decided you want to be a striker?

AS: I joined Sesa Football Academy in 2018. Our head coach Ajay sir along with the technical director, Eduard sir recognized my talent during the trials. Judging on my skill set they started playing me in a more central role up front. I like the feeling of scoring a goal for my team as a poacher does. I was substituted on for a few games and was given a chance to play as a striker. I really enjoyed it and scored a decent number of goals. My height has also given me an advantage and I am working on my heading. Neeru ma'am has also been helpful with her healing during my injury and physiotherapy classes.

H: Do you follow any other clubs or players? 

AS: I followed the Indian National team and their progress in the Asian Cup. I like Sunil Chettri and his gameplay; I watch his videos online and learn a lot. FC Goa is my favourite Indian football club. I would like to play for them someday. I love Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona too. Even though I don’t get time to watch their matches regularly but I make sure I watch all the highlights and keep myself updated with the scores and league table. I want to visit Camp Nou one day and play for them as well. I make my parents watch football games, highlights and tricks online at home.

H: What are your interests other than football?

AS: I love studying Astro Physics. I will give priority to football always but I manage to find time to study topics that I am curious about.