FC Pune City defender Anupam Sarkar has signed for Georgian 2nd Division (Pirveli Liga) outfit FC Adeli Batumi on a four month loan. He follows in the footsteps of his teammates Israil Gurung and Manish Maithani who recently moved to Portugal on a similar loan arrangement.
Anupam caught the attention of Technical Director of FC Adeli Batumi, Philippe De Ridder during his displays for the Pune club in the recently concluded Hero Indian Super League (ISL). The deal further emphasizes how Indian football is benefitting from the ISL and how clubs like FC Pune City are working to develop their players and help them gain international experience in Europe.
Gaurav Modwel, CEO of FC Pune City, said that, “I am sure that this loan stint will help Anupam to become a better footballer. I’ve always believed that the ISL will help Indian footballers to develop themselves and showcase their talent and now it’s up to them to grab the opportunities that come their way. I am sure Anupam will remain focused and train hard with his new team. FC Adeli moved really fast with us on this transfer and I am happy that they have also agreed to include in the Loan Agreement a minimum number of games in which Anupam will feature. This shall ensure Anupam gets opportunities to show his prowess and the experience he gains from it shall prove invaluable for him in his career.”
Philippe De Ridder, Technical Director and Manager of FC Adeli Batumi who scouted Anupam said, “When I got to know from FC Pune City that Anupam was available, I did not hesitate to share it with my President. I am convinced he will do a good job here. Every player, no matter the age, continues to learn every day if he has the right people around him. The ISL, and all the clubs participating in it, did bring Indian football on a right track. The better the players are, the better the league is. Indian fans deserve that. FC Adeli and myself are pleased to give a hand in that direction and wish Anupam all the very best in Georgia.”
Levan Adeishvili, President of FC Adeli Batumi said, “I was aware that India was developing football through the ISL but it’s only when I started to work with Mr. Philippe De Ridder that I agreed to bring in an Indian football player. He convinced me that Anupam Sarkar could help our team for the next 4 months. I am also very happy to know that FC Adeli is the first Georgian club ever to bring in an Indian player in the championship. I really hope Anupam Sarkar will do well here and I would also like to thank FC Pune City and I hope we build a good relationship with them.”
Anupam Sarkar was ecstatic as well and said, “I cannot wait to begin this new chapter in my career. I am thankful to my club FC Pune City and FC Adeli Batumi for providing me with this chance to go abroad and play in Georgia. I am excited to train and put in my best effort to help my team and my team mates.”
With this, FC Pune City has successfully sent three of its players to Europe on loans. FC Pune City remains the only club out of the eight ISL clubs to achieve this. The future looks bright for Indian football as more and more players can now hope to move abroad and train with the best of facilities and play in tougher European leagues.
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