Football runs in every Northeasterners' blood: Dynamos’ Zodingliana

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Zodingliana Tochhawng (Ralte) (Facebook)

After playing for the North-East United in the inaugural session of the Indian Super League (ISL), Mizoram-born Zodingliana Tochhawng (Ralte) is now excited to wear the Delhi Dynamos’ jersey in the next edition and says, “Football runs in every Northeasterners' blood.”

“Cricket may be the country’s favourite sport. But in Northeast, it is the game of football that tops everyone’s list. Football runs in Northeasterners' blood. In Mizoram, if you see, it’s doing so well.

Mizoram FC, Luangmual, FC Kulikawn are doing a good job,” Zodingliana told thestatesman.com in an exclusive interview.

Zodingliana represented India in the under-14, under-16, and under-19 teams. Later, in 2013, he kicked off his professional career with Shillong Lajong.

Meanwhile, the mid-fielder is gearing up to play for the Dynamos. The Delhi team signed him for the second edition of the league in July. Besides, Roberto Carlos, the team also boasts of other big names, like former Liverpool full-back and Norway's most capped international, John Arne Riise, and Frenchman Florent Malouda.

Talking about his new team, the 20-year-old said, “I am very excited because I’ll play with Carlos.

I’ll learn a lot from the Brazilian star. As a player, I have improved after playing in the first ISL. This time, I am looking forward to play alongside all these great players.”

Well, it’s a known fact that this young footballer idolizes French star Zinedine Zidane. “I try to copy his style, his passing abilities, in particular,” the Dynamos player said with a sparkle in his eyes.

“Rooney’s passion and his attitude towards the game is phenomenal. I emulate him as well.” he added.

Now, with two Pune-based clubs, Pune FC and Bharat FC likely to pull out of the I-League, reports suggest that All India Football Federation (AIFF) will merge the two leagues in the near future to improve the prospect of the game. When asked about the issue, Zodingliana, however, declined to comment.

Talking about the Indian football scenario in general, the player said, “Well, there are talented players in the country. Even last year, many foreign coaches said that Indian footballers had the skills.”
“We need to have better infrastructure and good coaches. It’s sad that we have the talent, but have such a poor FIFA ranking,” he added.

Hoping to play for the senior national team now, Zodingliana feels that its too early to say which team will take away the title in ISL 2015.

On being asked about his dream club, the former North-East United player said, “Manchester United is my dream club. So, yes, maybe someday I might play for the United. I don’t know if it’s possible.”