ISL 2023-24: I am enjoying my stay at Mumbai City FC – Akash Mishra

Mumbai City FC left-back Akash Mishra has stated that he is enjoying his stint at the club in the ongoing Indian Super League 2023-24. Mishra started his career with Indian Arrows and has taken giant strides at the top level despite being only 22.

The youngster had also played a key role in the ISL Cup triumph in the 2021-22 season for Hyderabad FC. Mishra has played 16 matches for the Islanders in the ongoing season and has found the back of the net on one occasion.

As he has consistently performed in the ISL, he has also earned a place in India’s national team squad. Mishra admitted he faced challenges after joining Mumbai City FC.

“To be honest, in the start, it was a bit difficult. A bit of a transition phase for me. Things were not going as I wanted. But slowly, with the help of teammates, with the help of coaching staff, things are now very smooth. And I’m enjoying the football here. I’m enjoying life in Mumbai. Enjoying my stay with the club, with the players. So, slowly, it’s like home for me. I’m really enjoying my stay in Mumbai City!” he said in an interview with Times Now News.

At the age of 14, Mishra was picked for the training program at the prestigious Bundesliga Club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in Germany.

Sharing his experience on his stint, “It was good. It was nice. Because, if you’ll ask me, it was kind of a turning point for me. Because I was in Lucknow. I was at Guru Gobind Singh Sports College. But when I went to Germany, I saw real football. I understood football. I saw the modern way of football.”

He said, “To be honest, when I went to Germany, I was not so good or so technical as a footballer. Which I am still not if you ask me. I still have to improve. I learned so many things there. So, I think whatever I am today or whatever things I can do, I think the German program helped me so much in that. And (that) played a very big role in my career.”

Mumbai City FC will next take on Hyderabad FC at the GMC Balayogi Stadium, Hyderabad on 1st April.