Indo-Brit Neroca star Aryn Williams longs to bleed blue

Michael Chopra back in 2010 made his intentions known to represent the Blue Tigers in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. The AIFF was also ready to take the player on-board but Chopra's dreams of donning the Blue jersey remained unfilled as the erstwhile government refused to make an exception on its stand on dual citizenship. But Aryn Glen Williams, who currently plies his trade for NEROCA FC in the I-league is willing to give up his British and Australian passports so that he can put on the Indian kit. "A lot many would find it hard to believe that I want to play for India but it's been a goal of mine for quite a number of years. Now that it's coming close, I am trying to grasp every opportunity and show that I am worthy of wearing the Indian (football) jersey,' revealed Aryn to the

TOI. Born to parents of Indian and British origins, William's grandfather Lincoln Grostate was himself a professional footballer in Maharashtra in the fifties. "Playing for India has always been on my mind. My grand-dad played football in India for many years. Growing up, he said it would be great if someone could play for India. Now I realise it's not unrealistic." Aryn's elder brother Rhys Williams has been the skipper of Middlesbrough who could play in a plethora of positions in midfield and defense.Aryn seems to have taken inspiration from his brother as he has been brilliant in the role of a defensive midfielder, whereas his favoured position continues to be at the centre of defense. "Football is a short career. When given an opportunity, you need to make sacrifices and I am willing to make that sacrifice. My focus is to get my Indian passport and hopefully get selected for the Asian Cup (2019),' stated Aryn whose primary objective is to get noticed by Stephen Constantine, the head coach of the Indian Senior football team. Although Aryn has put a string of impressive performances in the Indian football circuit, he accepts that his performances were not enough to secure a place in the Australian U-17 and U-19 teams. "For me, it was an unrealistic goal to pursue the Australian national team. I can also play for England but that's out of my reach,' acknowledged Aryn. Source: Twitter The Australian is so excited to be a part of the national team Aryn revealed that he has let go off offers from Europe and Australia to come and play in an Indian outfit. "I came here out of choice, rather than compulsion. I had a couple of offers from Australia and Europe after my stint with Perth Glory (in the A-League). Indian football is growing at a rapid pace, and if I can make a name for myself, I can have a successful career in India. It's not necessary that you should only play in England or Australia to have a successful football career. You can come to places like India and year by year, football is growing. I don't think football has been any bigger (in India) than what it is right now,' said Aryn. Arata Izumi was the first player to take up an Indian passport in 2012 to play for the national team. He made his debut against Palestine in a friendly match in 2013 and then went on to be selected for 2013 SAFF Chamionship squad in 2013 and AFC Challenge Cup qualification squad in 2014. Co-incidentally Izumi was also a NEROCA FC player in the previous season who currently plays for Indian Super League Side Kerala Blasters.