A “mild fever” to Gennaro Bracigliano, the first choice goalkeeper of Chennaiyin FC, saw Shilton Paul of India don the gloves for the first time, in the Indian Super League match against Mumbai City FC here on Tuesday.
It turned out to be a memorable debut for the 26-year-old as he acquitted himself well under the bar coming up with a few timely saves.
A product of the Tata Football Academy (Jamshedpur), Shilton has been playing for Mohun Bagan for nearly nine years in the I-League.
Excerpts:
How difficult it is for the Indian goalkeepers given the tough competition?
It’s always been difficult for Indian goalkeepers. Only today (the day of the match) I got to know that I am playing.
On Mumbai City FC goalkeeper Subrata Paul
He is one of my favourite goalkeepers, whether as an opposition player or as a teammate. When he was playing for East Bengal I was playing for Mohun Bagan. He is like my brother.
Learning from foreigners
Of course, their basics are good. We can learn a lot and I am learning a lot.
Your inspiration
My dad. Because of him only I am playing football. I started playing with my dad in Khabra (Kolkata).
So, it must have been a natural progression to take up the sport
No. I didn’t like to play football. Because of my father I came to play football. When I was 6-7 years, he used to push me. Only when I joined the Tata Football Academy I realised how important football is in my life.
Are you happy with your performance?
I think I should have done better. I shouldn’t have let that goal (solitary goal for Mumbai City FC). With the goalkeeping coach Francesco Franzese, I will definitely improve.
On ISL
I will get more exposure and gain more experience. With Gennaro to help me out, I can only improve.
