Ligasports – Spanish League News: Pune City Football Academy graduate Mohammad Ashique Kuruniyan has been selected by La Liga club Villarreal to join their third team as a loan player.
Kuruniyan became the first Indian player to join a major Spanish club. He signed a loan contract at Villarreal for 3.5 months.
Kuruniyan can play as a winger or any role in the attacking team, he has also been included in the Indian U18 and U19 national teams, and even scored a solo goal in the FAM – Frenz Asia Champions Trophy.
The player who idolizes Neymar and Angel Di Maria from Mallapuram, Kerala, said he was looking forward to interacting with his teammates in Spain and training in a new, better environment would improve his abilities.
“It's a dream come true. “So far, I can only admire the big clubs and their players from afar, but I thank Pune City and Villarreal for giving me the opportunity to play for the one of the great Spanish clubs.”
Villarreal president Fernando Roig and La Liga president Javier Tebas have both said Kuruniyan's selection is part of a plan to scout talent in India and give them the opportunity to play abroad.
Roig said Villarreal were happy to bring in Kuruniyan because they saw the talent he had. Their coaches were training him and pushing him to his limits. It is hoped that his development as a player will have a positive impact on football in India.
Article Keywords: Pune City, Kuruniyan, Villarreal
