A long injury layoff can test even the most passionate footballers but for this young Mumbai City FC defender, it only fuelled his hunger to return stronger!
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In an exclusive chat with Aditya Mallick of News24, The Indian Football star Akash Mishra shares his journey from academy days to professional football, his admiration for legends like Sergio Ramos and Anwar Ali Jr., and how he’s staying match-ready despite uncertainty around the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.
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Akash Mishra Interview: Excerpts
Growing up, who were your footballing idols Indian or international and how did they shape your style of play?
- I started my career as a centre-back, so naturally, Sergio Ramos was a big inspiration for me both in terms of football and fitness. His aggression, leadership, and overall presence on the pitch really influenced me.
- When I transitioned into a full-back role, I began studying players like Alphonso Davies and Marcelo. I’d watch endless clips of them how they overlap, recover, and contribute in attack. It helped me adapt and evolve.
- As for Indian players, while most would name Sunil Chhetri bhai, my personal idol has always been Anwar Ali Jr. I’ve been a huge fan of his since my academy days – especially during the U-17 World Cup hype. I used to tell my mom, “Look at this guy right foot, left foot, heading, he has it all.” I later got the chance to play alongside him, and even now I believe his quality goes beyond the current standard of Indian football.
You’ve been sidelined for over a year. How does it feel to be back in training and closer to full fitness?
- Honestly, I can’t even describe the feeling. I’ve been out for nearly a year and a half. I’ve started training again, but the ISL hasn’t resumed yet, and we haven’t heard much from the league. So I’m currently in Delhi, training with other players.
- It’s hard to stay motivated at home when you’re training alone. Here in Delhi, I get to work on football drills and fitness, and I also try to find weekend games. After missing football for so long, I feel like playing every day – Monday, Tuesday, Sunday you name it. I am eagerly waiting for the season to get started.
Can you walk us through the recovery process after your injury?
- Thankfully, I stayed with the club during the initial recovery. Mumbai City has top-notch facilities – excellent physios, strength coaches, and medical staff. I spent time first with the medical team, then gradually moved on to strength and endurance training under the conditioning team.
- Just as I was about to rejoin football-specific training, the season ended, and I went home. That’s when it became challenging. Training alone is possible, but recovery requires physios someone who can treat a niggle or understand pain in real-time. Explaining pain over video calls doesn’t work the same.
- That’s why I shifted back to Delhi where I could access physios, strength coaches, and regular football sessions. At this stage, I need at least 2–3 physio sessions a week for my knee and someone to push me consistently.
Last season wasn’t ideal for Mumbai City FC. How do you view your role in the team’s comeback this year?
- People say we had a disappointing season, and yes – results matter in football. But if you look deeper, there were a lot of changes. All the foreign players were new. It took time for the team to gel.
- Statistically, in terms of possession and goals conceded, we actually did better than the previous season. But we started performing a bit too late, and several key players like Jeremy and Brandon got injured. Unfortunately, that hurt our momentum.
- Still, what makes Mumbai City FC special is the unity from the players to the staff to the management. Even though the season didn’t go as planned, we had a strong team meeting at the end. Everyone was aligned on the goals for the next season. Now, we’re just waiting for the green light to begin preparations.
If you could play your dream match anywhere in the world, which stadium would it be?
- Santiago Bernabéu, home of Real Madrid. Since I admire Sergio Ramos, it’s always been a dream to play there. Although Old Trafford is also iconic, the new Bernabéu has that magical aura. It’s a dream stadium.
Who’s been your toughest opponent on the pitch so far?
- I’ve faced many international players at the national level, but it’s tough to judge someone you’ve only played against once.
- Domestically, I’d say Manvir Singh from ATK Mohun Bagan and Rahul KP (now with Odisha FC). Both are very strong and fast. They challenge you physically and mentally. It’s never easy going up against them.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
- Not really. I try not to get into rituals because if you miss one, it can mess with your head. But I do follow small things – like always stepping onto the pitch with my left foot, and saying a short prayer before the game. Nothing too elaborate.
You’ve lived in both Delhi and Mumbai – What’s your pick when it comes to food?
City-wise, I prefer Mumbai. It’s more comfortable now, and I know my way around. But when it comes to food – Sorry, Mumbai fans – it’s Delhi all the way! Or rather, North India in general. I’m from the North, so naturally I miss dishes like chole bhature. I wish I could eat it every day, but I have to stay disciplined.
That said, I’ve been in Mumbai for two years now, and I’ve found some great food spots. So I’m slowly becoming a local there too.
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