Playing in Hero 2nd Division League one of my best career decisions: Adil Khan
It was in 2012 against Azerbaijan that Adil Khan made his senior international debut but due to a spate of injuries, his hopes of returning to the national team appeared to be up in flames. However, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the 32-year-old made an awe-inspiring come back to the Blue Tigers in 2019, with its foundation being laid in the Hero Second Division League, where he played for Lonestar Kashmir in 2016.
“Playing in the 2nd Division was one of the best decisions I have ever taken in my career. I was playing regularly and getting game time under my belt. It helped me immensely to regain my confidence and then I came back to Goa to play for Dempo and then got the call to the Hero I-League with Churchill Brothers,” Adil recalled in a candid chat with AIFF TV.
“It went step-by-step in a proper way. Playing football is something I love to do and I could never give up on it. Maybe it was my destiny or a result of hard work – I don’t know,” an emotional Adil added.
The versatile defender revealed that despite his critical injury, he was ‘hopeful’ of coming back to the national team fold.
He averred, “I didn’t lose my hopes of playing in the national team for sure. I knew if I play a few good seasons in domestic football, I will get the opportunity to perform in the national team. I want to convey my thanks to Salgaocar, who allowed me to train for one month and helped me regain my confidence. Then, I realized that I still have a lot of football inside me and I wanted to explore and go step-by-step.”
After continuous impressive performances for his club, Adil finally made his way back into the senior national team under head coach Igor Stimac at the King’s Cup 2019 in Thailand, where he featured in a 1-0 win over the hosts – providing the assist for the winning goal and producing a supreme defensive performance, keeping the clean sheet intact.
“I never thought I will make a comeback to the national team after so many years. It certainly ranks as one of the best moments of my career. Sometimes, I get emotional just thinking about all of it and the whole journey,” he said.
Another key aspect of Adil’s game has been his versatility, with him making the shift to centre-back after beginning his professional career as a centre-midfielder. He stated that his youth days prepared him to play in multiple positions and now, his ‘experience’ helps him contribute well to his team’s defence.
“During my academy days, my coach made me play different positions – I started as a striker, and then played right-half, left-half, centre-midfielder and defender. As a junior, I was not a regular starter and was called upon to fill the spot if any senior player was injured or suspended. My coaches believed in me and pushed me to play different positions, and were there for me if I made mistakes.
“They always stressed on the importance of doing the right things and soon, it became easier year-by-year. When I signed my first professional contract, I played different positions. Hence, it has not been difficult to change positions. Right now, I like to play as a centre-back as my experience in that position helps and I can save my energy and use it more to help my team defend,” he explained.
Adil’s journey has been nothing short of inspirational and he stated that being able to inspire the younger generation is one of his ‘greatest achievements’.
“I am happy that so many young players are inspired by me and that is one of the greatest achievements for me. I have not won anything yet in terms of trophies or awards, and I am looking forward to doing so. It’s great to see people’s comments and messages, and I would like to thank everyone for their support,” he smiled.
Also Read: Ishan Pandita: I will let my play do the talking
For articles on unknown talented footballers – Visit here
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…