FIFA U-17 World Cup: Sanjeev Stalin's only idol is his father

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Bengaluru, September 12: Sanjeev Stalin is one of the key footballers in the Indian team for the under-17 World Cup, to be held in India from 6th to 28th October.

The 16-year old defender has made himself indispensible in the team since the regime of sacked German coach Nicola Adams.

Stalin earned importance only after a miracle free-kick goal from almost the half line against United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Asian under-16 championship match. Although Indian under-16 team lost to UAE in the match, Sanjeev Stalin had an outstanding performance which made him distinguished.

He is still is adorned by the present Portuguese coach of under-17 Indian team Luis de Matos. The coach had recently said, “I am hopeful that my defense will not falter in the team’s crucial matches in the under-17 World Cup.

"One of the reasons is the presence of Stalin. His tremendous grit and unyielding spirit always inspires other defenders and they deliver their best on the pitch.”

Sanjeev Stalin does not seem to be elated even with the praise from his coach. He only wants to make his father happy.

Stalin who hails from Bangalore and then a graduate from Chandigarh Football Academy as well as Al India Football Federation’s elite football academy in Goa, said, “I have been able to reach this stage only because of my father. He had sacrificed a lot in his life only to help me establish as footballer.

"So, representing under-17 India in the forthcoming World Cup will be a precious gift to father from my part.”

Incidentally, Stalin’s father has a cloths shop on the footpath. Still along with his fight against the poverty he has nurtured Stalin so that his son can be an established footballer in future.

That might be the reason, Stalin asserted, “I have the only idol in my life. He is not Lionel Messi or Christiano Ronaldo. He is my father.”