One of India’s Fifa U-17 World Cup star Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem has decided to chase his dream of playing on foreign soil and left the Indian Arrows squad after the All India Football Federation insisted on the 17-year-old goalkeeper signing a new three year contract, The Times of India reported on Sunday.
Moirangthem has been in good form even in the I-League and played an important role in the young squad hold Mohun Bagan to a 1-1 draw in their last league game and was also adjudicated the Man of the Match for that game.
The shot-stopper was considered to be the find of the U-17 World Cup for the hosts and many European clubs including Scottish Club Motherwell FC, League one side Charlton Athletic and English Premier League’s West Ham United had shown interest in the youngster.
Moirangthem current contract with the AIFF ends on December 31, 2017 and while the player was keen to extend the association, he wasn’t keen on signing the new three year contract as it could have affected his chances of signing for a foreign club. He has reported left the team hotel after the game against Bagan.
“It didn’t make sense for Dheeraj to be tied down by another contract for three years (by the AIFF). He wants to trial abroad and try his luck on foreign soil,” his agent, Anuj Kichlu was quoted as saying by TOI.
Many players of the Indian Arrows squad have been unhappy with the three year contract since that can affect their chances of even signing for an Indian Super League club next season. However, no one has so far taken a bold step like Moirangthem.
According to the report, Moirangthem is expected to leave for Scotland once his visa formalities are completed for a trial with Motherwell FC.
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