Herald: What is the difference between playing for India and ISL?
Pronay Halder: It is a matter of pride to play for your country. Everyone dreams of representing their country as a youngster and to get a chance to do it is an incredible honour. The ISL has brought fresh energy and excitement into football in the country. Fans from across the country support their clubs and turn up at stadiums to support their favourite players. ISL has also brought in a level of professionalism into the sport. Football is changing for the better and the future looks bright. I am proud to play for my club FC Goa.
Herald: How can a midfielder keep himself in shape?
Pronay: The most important thing for any footballer, not just a midfielder, is his diet. We have to keep a track on what we eat in order to stay fit. Additionally, regular exercise, physical training and working out in the gym in order to build strength and stamina is very important. Stamina is of utmost importance too and it is essential to keep building stamina steadily.
Herald: What, according to you, is the role of a defensive midfielder?
Pronay:: A defensive midfielder is someone whose main job is to break the play of the opposition, to intercept passes and win ball possession back for his team. Then he has to take the ball and pass it accurately to his teammates so as to start an attack. A defensive midfielder is a key player for any team and the ability to score goals is also a bonus for a defensive midfielder.
Herald: Are you perfectly fit to play? How much time did you take to recover?
Pronay: I am completely fit right now, not match fit yet, but fit to train. It has taken me about five months to recover from my injury.
Herald: Where do you see FC Goa in this ISL season?
Pronay: FC Goa have invested a lot on local talent this season. I have played with a number of these players in the past and we have a great chemistry, on an off the field. I am sure we can go very far this season. My main aim is to win the ISL trophy for myself, the team and the fans of FC Goa.
Herald: Did you find any difficult opponent in your career?
Pronay: In my opinion, the Iran national team was the toughest opponent I have ever faced on a football field. They are the best team in Asia. They gave Argentina a good fight during the 2014 world cup, where they lost 1-0 to that great team, conceding in stoppage time. They are tough opponents.
Herald: Who do you think is the best international player at present? Why?
Pronay: For me, the best player in the world right now is Cristiano Ronaldo. I know he doesn’t play in the same position as me, but I thoroughly enjoy watching him play. His skill on and off the ball is fantastic and his ability to score goals is unparalleled. In my position, there are a number of players I enjoy watching. One of them was Gennaro Gattuso. In the present age, I like Casemiro’s game. He’s a tough tackler and is very adept at breaking down attacks and starting an attack of his own. He even scores some wonder goals.
Herald: What are your plans for future?
Pronay: Right now, I am only thinking of lifting the ISL trophy with my team, FC Goa. I want to concentrate on the ISL and do my part to help the team win that trophy.
