Jon Toral Exclusive: Mumbai City's Spanish Midfielder speaks on India Adventure, Adaptations, the impact of Arsenal

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In the realm of Indian football, Mumbai City FC sits high in the hierarchy. The decorated club from the West Coast has already taken massive steps, the latest of which came last season as they played in the AFC Champions League.

Although the Asian experience was a learning curve, the Indian club backed that up with a victorious ISL campaign. And ahead of the upcoming season, Mumbai City have strengthened their galaxy of superstars, and the newest addition is former Arsenal youth player Jon Toral.

Jon Toral has recently transferred to Mumbai City FC. He decided to leave Europe and seek a new experience and challenge. He had some knowledge about Indian football from a former teammate who played there and had positive things to say about the country and the league.

From the La Masia Academy to Arsenal and now in Mumbai City, Jon Toral revealed his journey in an exclusive chat with MyKhel.

The move to Mumbai City

He was playing top-division football in Greece with OFI Crete. But Toral says his move to Mumbai City was all about taking a new challenge.

"I had three very good and happy years in Greece with Crete. I just felt I was open to offers and listening to options during the summer and when the offer from Mumbai came and I spoke to a few people about the club I discussed it with my wife and the family, it just felt right to leave Europe and go for a new experience, a new challenge and Mumbai ticked a lot of boxes in the way. So I'm very excited about that and looking forward to the season ahead," Toral says.

Role at Mumbai City

Throughout his career, Jon has played for various clubs including Arsenal, Birmingham, and Granada. He also spent a season at Scottish giants Rangers and had stints at Hull City and Brentford as well

Toral has played mainly as a midfielder but has experience playing on the wing as well. And the Spanish midfielder says he is ready to try himself at any position to help the team.

"I think I feel comfortable anywhere in midfield. I've played as a No. 10, more an attacking midfielder, but I'm used to playing with two attacking midfielders in one sitting. I've played as well with two holding and one more alone No. 10, so I'm comfortable in both those positions. I've played a bit off the right as well in my younger times in England. Those two in the middle are where I think I can help the team. But if the coach thinks I can help in any other position, I'm here to do that, to help the team win games and win titles."

The Impact of Arsenal

Toral started his career at the La Masia and then spent his youth years at Arsenal. He never played for the first team but featured in pre-season matches and the Spaniard says the days at the North London club shaped him as a player and as a human.

"I had many loans away from Arsenal where they helped me shape the player that I am now and the person that I am now. And all those valuable experiences have come in handy now that I've moved to India. I don't really know where the future lies but I'm very focused. One thing I've learned about football is you need to take every day as it comes and focus on that day and not think too much on the future because then you get lost a bit."

The Impact of Arsene Wenger

Former Arsenal manager legendary Arsene Wenger was at the club during Toral's Arsenal days. And the former Gunners youth player has messages etched in memory from the Frenchman.

"I was very young during my time at Arsenal. I was lucky enough that I spent a couple of pre-seasons under him and a few training sessions. Obviously, when I went to Arsenal, the aim was to make the first team. That wasn't to be, but it was still a very good experience under him. He did pass on knowledge that I will take forever on the technical aspects, and on the tactical aspects. He's obviously someone very experienced, very loved at Arsenal because of the figure he is. So it was an amazing amazing experience to be coached by him."

Talks with Petr Kratky

The Spanish player has had conversations with his current boss, Petr Kratky, who emphasizes the importance of togetherness and taking each day and game as they come. Jon has already had positive interactions with his new teammates and is looking forward to getting to know them better.

The 29-year-old will play a key role for the Islanders this season as they try to defend their ISL title. Toral has been in form for OFI Crete as he made 9 goal contributions last season, and 10 the season before. With Alberto Noguera released, Kratky will be hoping for Toral's versatility in the Mumbai midfield.

Adapting to Indian Conditions

The Mumbai City player is aware of the Indian weather and wants to adapt as soon as possible to the conditions.

"It's [Indian Weather] something new for me but I will need to adapt to the weather. I knew about the weather when I signed so it's something that I'm very focused on adapting as quickly as possible. I am taking as much fluids and being always hydrated and ready to give my best and it's something that I have in my mind."

Message to the Fans

MyKhel asked Jon Toral about his message to the fans, who are eager to watch him glide across the pitch this season. And Toral has a huge objective in mind as his main aim is to enjoy the game and make fans come to the stadium.

"To the Mumbai City fans, I can't wait to meet them. I think that's the main message, that I'm very excited to be here. I want to have fun playing football. I want to make the fans enjoy going to watch games and that's the type of player that I think of myself, that's the aim as well. Football is a sport we want to win and hopefully, we can do that together and have a good time in the meantime as well."