Imran Khan Exclusive: Jamshedpur FC's Diamond from the East speaks on Adversities, Dreams and the Moment which changed his Life

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Amid the troubled season at the Furnace last season, Jamshedpur FC had a few bright sparks. Their performance did change for the good at the second half of the season, and a certain man from Manipur named Imran Khan played a key part in it.

Imran Khan Niazi, a dynamic winger from Manipur, has been a pivotal part of the Jamshedpur FC zigsaw since last season. The 29-year-old joined the club from Northeast United last year and has made excellent progress with the club.

Imran's journey in football hasn't been an easy ride. From fighting poverty to struggling in other clubs, the player has seen his fair share of battles. And at the calm abode of the Flatlets, Imran spoke exclusively with MyKhel, depicting his story.

The Early Struggle

Imran Khan comes from a humble background, with his mother selling vegetables in Manipur to make ends meet. Despite the hardships, Imran discovered football through local games and tournaments.

"I come from a poor family. We don't have footballers in our family. I was born in Imphal. My mom works in a vegetable shop. She sells vegetables on the road. It was a really hard time when I was a kid. My mom used to sell vegetables. In the day, we earned like 500, maybe 700 rupees. One day, there is a road beside the ground, where bigger guys used to play."

250 Rupees in a 40-minute Match: A Life-Changer

The player depicts the moment which completely turned his life around. One fine day, 250 rupees changed his life, and football came with a sudden spring.

"When I was 15 or 16 years old, one of my friends took me to a local tournament. I went there and scored five goals. Then after the game, they give me 250 rupees. I was really happy and one thing struck me. I thought my mom earns like 10, 20 rupees selling a vegetable. But I played forty minutes and earned 250 rupees. I thought this is the one through which I can feed my family."

The Current Journey with Jamshedpur FC and Khalid Jamil

Imran played for several clubs. Imran started with Mohammedan SC, and then played for the likes of FC Goa, Neroca FC, and eventually Northeast United. After three seasons in Guwahati, Imran had a few offers but the player says Jamshedpur's passionate fans motivated him to choose the club.

"I had many offers. But I chose here because of the fans. The fans are crazy. All are passionate. And when I came here for the away game with NorthEast United, in the stadium, I saw the passion. It's [Jamshedpur] a great city. People are passionate about football."

"I'm really happy here. To be honest, Khalid Sahab [Khalid Sir], I have played for [him] many years and he knows me very well. What kind of player I was. And I know him very well, what he wants and I have to deliver it for the club, for him. And he made me what I am because he knows my ability and I play with confidence and I go with his plan.

Everyone is happy with him, because he understands the player, how the player feels. And I'm telling you again, he's one of the best coaches in India. Everyone knows it," Khan continues.

Blue Tigers Dreams

The young kid who grew up in Manipur, had a dream, which was to wear the national team jersey. Though Imran didn't get game time during his call-up to the Indian national team, he remains hopeful about future opportunities.

"When I was a kid, I always dreamed of the national team jersey. And when I got the call-up, I was really happy. I didn't get a game time, but it's fine. I have to work hard because it's a long journey.

"There is a lot of competition in the game. I am the newcomer and I want to work hard to go there [be a part of the Indian team] again".

Objectives for ISL Season

Despite Imran's valiant performance, the Steel Miners had a disappointing campaign. Although there were sparks of brilliance in the latter half of the season, they failed to qualify for the playoffs. But Imran's determined to fight for the playoffs this term.

"Yeah, it's really difficult to lose. I want to win all the game, like my mentality is like this, but last year, it was not up to the mark. I was really upset when I went home [after the season].

But there is always room for improvement. I really have a good bond with all the players. I think we will improve, we will go for the top six, we will fight for the top six. I think a lot more to come."

"I want to win the shield. I want to win the trophy because I don't have an ISL trophy. I want to fight for the top six. I want to win the trophy, that is what I have a dream for this season."

On the JFC Flatlets

In the vast setup of the Jamshedpur FC Flatlets in Jamshedpur, all the players feel at home. And Imran is not an exception. When asked about the JFC system, the player ecstatically demonstrates the thought behind it.

"Yeah, I like this kind of because what does a footballer need? You need a gym, you need good food, you need a swimming pool, you need a ground. We have all this and every time we see each other and the management really pushes us and takes care of us. We have gym, we have a swimming pool, we have ground, everything is here."

A Man Without Idol

Imran never grew up watching TV, as his family didn't have one. The player says he never had a footballing idol in his teenage years, but has affinity for Real Madrid and Neymar.

Imran knows how to rise from the ashes, he has done it all in his life. The player still takes a stroll with his mom after her long day at the market. The status of a top-flight footballer of the nation hasn't changed the human, the glitter of glamour hasn't shadowed the soul inside him.

This season will be crucial and a career-defining one, as Imran takes on the field with a plethora of objectives in mind.