EXCLUSIVE: India Under-17 World Cup Star Dheeraj’s First Interview at Motherwell FC

Before, during and after the FIFA Under-17 World Cup held in India in October, we spoke at length about this new generation of Indian footballers. The hope then, as it is now, was that some of the boys groomed for the World Cup squad would get a chance to further their careers at clubs outside India. Expectedly, it is Dheeraj Moirangthem, the squad’s first choice goalkeeper, who is taking the first steps in that direction.

On the back of interest from Motherwell FC, and conversations that have been ongoing since October last year, Dheeraj has made his way to Glasgow where the 17-year-old will train with Motherwell’s first team for about a month. It is not very often that players as young as Dheeraj get the opportunity to train with a club’s first team while the season is in full swing. Hours after speaking to us, Dheeraj was to join the first team to travel to Dundee FC for a Scottish Cup 5th-round clash. Visa and work permit regulations preclude Dheeraj from being registered for any of the official teams and from receiving any money for his services. He is, however, free to remain in Scotland and play in friendly games with various club teams.

Here is Dheeraj, in his first interview since joining up with Motherwell FC, recounting his first impressions at the new club and talking about what he hopes to achieve from the training stint and beyond.