From sun drenched beaches of Pozhiyoor to Kolkata Maidan, the Services midfielder P.M. Britto has scripted a success story after signing a one-year contract with Mohun Bagan.
The 25-year-old, hailing from the fishing hamlet of Pozhiyoor in Thiruvananthapuram district which borders Tamil Nadu, realised his childhood dream of playing for a big club from Kolkata.
Britto played for Churchill Brothers in this season's I-League and figured in 13 matches for the Goan side. Britto's performance was one of the high points in a rather disappointing season for Churchill Brothers. Though Britto scored only one goal and made three assists it was his energy and positive attitude that impressed Mohun Bagan's talent scouts who approached him with the offer to join the club as soon as the league got over.
Britto didn't have to think twice and quickly accepted the offer. "When I first kicked the ball in the beach in Pozhiyoor my dream was to play in the Santosh Trophy and for a big club from Kolkata in the I-league. I am happy that I have achieved a part of my ambition as I still want to play for India," he said.
"I was part of Services team that won Santosh Trophy twice but never came close to playing for India. I think you get noticed only if you play for big clubs in the I-League. I feel this stint with Mohun Bagan will open the doors of India selection for me and hopefully the ISL."
Britto was offered an opportunity to play for NorthEast United FC in the ISL last season but turned down the offer as he felt he wouldn't get the chance to figure in the first eleven.
"My coach Abhilash advised me against joining NEUFC as he felt the team was loaded with midfielders and chances of getting a break was less. Moreover I also didn't want to waste my time in the bench. Then I got the opportunity to play for Churchill Brothers and I told my coach that if I don't get permission to play in the I-league I would quit my job. But Abhilash sir talked to the Services management and got the necessary orders for releasing me on loan. I am thankful to him for that."
Britto considers himself fortunate compared to players in other department teams in Kerala who had to forgo their career ambitions because of the reluctance of the teams to grant permission to players to play for professional clubs.
"Navy gave me permission to play for a professional club but department teams in Kerala generally don't. I know a lot of talented players in Kerala whose career could have reached dizzy heights had they been allowed to play for professional clubs. There should be relaxation of rules as not everyone can afford to give up a secured job in pursuit of the ambition," he said.
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