ISL 2018-19: Farukh Choudhary - My target is to be always ready and help the team

Jamshedpur FC's Farukh Choudhary recently made his debut for the India U-23 side in SAFF Cup. The young striker’s performance for Jamshedpur FC last season caught the attention of national Stephen Constantine and he earned his place in the national side.

Speaking to Goal about his experience in the national camp, Farukh said, “This was the first time I represented the Indian team. I got to learn a lot from the coach, my teammates and the team management. The atmosphere was amazing.”

Under coach Steve Coppell at Jamshedpur last season, Choudhary made 15 appearances although he has never scored a goal in a top-tier league, be it I-League or the ISL. Choudhary will now be hoping to set that record straight this season under the guidance of Cesar Ferrando. 

The young striker suggested that he is excited to start the new season under a new coach. He said, “I am really looking forward to playing under our new coach (Cesar Ferrando). I haven’t trained with the team since I just came back from the national camp.

“My target is to be always ready and help the team whenever I get a chance. So whatever chances I’ll get, I’ll give my best.”

Farukh is set to compete for a starting spot with teammate Sumeet Passi. The former Kerala Blasters striker, however, stated that he looks up to Passi and feels both of them can start together.

“Yes, we play in the same position. But he is a senior player and I learnt a lot of things from him. He is really matured as a striker. I played with him last season and was also in the Indian camp. I look up to him. It will be a healthy competition. It will be even better if we play together.”

The striker also expressed his excitement to play alongside Australian star Tim Cahill who joined Jamshedpur this season.

“I really can't believe that he (Tim Cahill is here). When we were in Australia with the national team, we got to hear that Tim is joining our club. Initially, we thought that it was a crazy rumour. But when I saw that the team officially announced his signing, I was shocked.

"He is such a big legend. We saw him in the World Cups and he has also scored some amazing goals over the years. After meeting him I got to know he is such a down to earth person. I hope to learn things from him,” said Farukh.