Aniket Jadhav to become first professional footballer to train in England
By SportsCafe Desk, SportsCafe Editor
Jamshedpur FC forward Aniket Jadhav, who impressed one and all in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, would be training for three months with English Championship side Blackburn Rovers. The former Premier League champions’ owner Balaji Rao spoke about helping India's football improve India’s FIFA ranking.
India have done considerably well of late in terms of throwing up young talents in football. After FIFA U-17 World Cup gave a hint of the pool, ISL this year has seen some promising youngsters coming up. While Ashqiue Kuruniyan broke into the national team, the likes of Abdul Samad and Micahel Soosairaj are just waiting to step up. Delhi Dynamos’ Lallianzuala Chhangte also broke onto the scene this season and was also called up by historic Norwegian Club Viking FK for a trial.
Now, young Jadhav from Kolhapur has been asked to train in Blackburn Rovers Academy at Brockhall village, Lancashire for three months, which would make him the first Indian professional player to train in England. The small town man from Jamshedpur FC has stated it a dream come true.
"For someone coming from a small place in Kolhapur, it's a dream come true for me. I'm looking forward to this stint. The World Cup was a big experience and this is equally big and it keeps me on track with the mission when I left home as a nine-year-old kid. I would like to thank Blackburn Rovers FC for believing in me and my ability, and inviting me to train at their world class academy." said Jadhav in an interview with PTI.
The left footed striker had played all the three U-17 WC matches, where his talent was recognized by Nicolai Adam during a trial in Mumbai. Blackburn Rovers have been one of the only six teams, apart from Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Leicester City, to lift the English Premier League trophy. And club owner Balaji Rao has shown immense interest in improving India’s performances on the world stage.
"Our Academy at Blackburn Rovers is one of the finest Category 1 Academy in the UK. This training stint will definitely help Aniket to develop technically as a player, which will in turn contribute to the improvement of his performances on the pitch. We want to support young talented footballers in the best way possible to help improve the Indian national team's performances and FIFA ranking on the world stage," said Rao.
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