There’s excitement, pride, responsibility: Vibin Mohanan on India call up

Kerala Blasters FC midfielder Vibin Mohanan expressed his delight after he received India call-up from head coach Manolo Marquez. Mohanan was named in India’s 25-man squad for the International friendly against Malaysia, which will be played at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad on Monday.

The 21-year-old has played eight matches in the ongoing season of the Indian Super League for the Yellow Tuskers but he is yet to find the back of the net. 

“I feel so happy and excited. It’s been my childhood dream to be part of the senior national team, and that’s happened now,” Mohanan told aiff.com.

“Since the day the list was published, I have been excited about training and experiencing this environment. There’s excitement, pride, and responsibility. Being selected to represent your country at the highest level is a huge honor,” he added.

After participating in training sessions under the tutelage of head coach Manolo Marquez, Mohanan revealed, “There is a difference, of course. Playing high-level football with senior players. The training sessions are going good so far. For me, as a young player, there are so many things to learn from each of the senior players and the coaches.”

“I always want to play with the ball. Everything else depends on the coaches and how they want to play their system, and I feel I’m improving day by day with the help of good coaches and players,” he remarked.

Kerala Blasters FC has received a lot of support from the fans and Mohanan gave his gratitude to the team’s supporters.

Thanking their thousands of supporters, he acknowledged, “I’m very proud of that because Kerala (Blasters FC) fans are different compared to others. I’m very grateful for the support I receive.”

“For me, being part of the national team is the most amazing achievement. We will see what happens in the future. For now, I’m so happy to achieve my dream, and I’m looking forward to doing my best in Indian football,” Mohanan concluded.