From Nippon with love: An exclusive interview with Pune FC's Arata Izumi

Following Pune FC‘s historic encounter with Blackburn Rovers FC, I had the pleasure of interviewing Pune FC’s Indo-Japanese midfielder Arata Izumi.

Izumi for Mahindra United

Born in Shimonoseki (Japan), the 28 year old midfielder had played for Albirex Niigata Singapore FC (2005-2006) and Mitsubishi Motors Mizushima FC before coming to India to join Kingfisher East Bengal FC where he played for the 2006 – 2007 season. Izumi was then transferred to Mahindra United FC in the following season before he joined Pune FC in 2009 and has been plying his trade for the Piramal Group club ever since.

Izumi, who recently signed on a two year contract extension with the Pune club, has no regrets over leaving the J-League to come to India and is contemplating donning the Indian blue. Here are the excerpts from the interview:

Arata has always been a fan favourite!

Siddharth: During the historical Blackburn Rovers encounter, Balewadi was sounding like the Estadio Azteca, with a stunning atmosphere created by the fans. How much did that help the team’s performance?

Arata: I think the fans play an integral role in motivating any team / player. Likewise, it was very encouraging and demanding to live up to their expectations and I am certain we did justice to their expectations and lived up to our reputation of … “fighting till the end.”

Siddharth: Pune couldn’t progress beyond the group stages of the 2011 Federation Cup.What are your goals for the rest of the season?

Arata: I think it was again one more motivating factor for the entire team which was visible in our efforts during our match against Blackburn. We, as a team, are motivated and ready for the season

Izumi tries to score against the Indian Arrows.

Siddharth: Last season, Pune conceded only 27 goals, the second lowest in the league after East bengal. The problem seems to be that Pune scored the least number of goals in the top six of the league. Do you think that this will be solved following the return of Indian star Jeje?Arata: Personally, I feel that we followed our plan and our structured approach to the season. Defensively, we did excel and of course, Jeje’s attendance during the start of the season is encouraging.

Siddharth: You shifted from Singapore to the J-League and then to the I-League. What made you come to India?Arata: India has phenomenal scope with the sport of football. Multifactorial I guess, corporate participation, media’s awareness and of course, the affection of fans.

Siddharth: After shifting base to India, have you received any offers to play outside India?Arata: Yes, contemplating.

Arata Izumi- Loving Life in India!!

Siddharth: With Indian Heritage and an Indian wife you have a distinct Indian connection, however looking at the amount of progress the nation has made in footballing terms over the past few years do you sometimes feel like you should have stayed back in Japan?Arata: I am a person of conviction and independent thinking. My decision of coming to India has only fetched me more laurels and love of this country and the football fraternity. I am convinced, with each passing day, I did make the right choice.

Siddharth: High school football and youth academies are quite big in Japan with youngsters like Ryo Miyachi making it to top clubs fresh out of high school. Do you think something similar needs to be done in India?

Arata: India has phenomenal talent at the grass root level. A structured approach and infrastructure would help create an ideal platform for Indian football talent, which I must mention, is of immense potential.

Pushing it in the Gym

Siddharth: Every player in a team is unique with his own sets of strengths and weaknesses. What area of your game do you place more emphasis on in training?Arata: I may not be able to single out any one component as each one is an integral part of the entire picture. I personally feel, awareness and physical fitness are something which we could emphasize more on.

Siddharth: Following the Asian Cup in January, people said that the Indian sides aren’t fit enough or strong enough. Where do you think India is losing out?Arata: It would be unfair on my part to call our side unfit or lacking any physical / mental strength. I feel, more international experience, exposure shall help players to understand the physical and mental demands and prepare accordingly.

Siddharth: Former Indian boss, Rustam Akramov organised boxing sessions for the Indian team to make them more aggressive. Would you say that Indian clubs and Indian football in general lacks aggression?Arata: As mentioned above, I feel the players are very aggressive but need more structured a guidance to channelize this aggression in a positive/ constructive fashion.

Izumi hopes to rub shoulders with Chhetri, for India!

Siddharth: While plying your trade for Albirex Niigata Singapore FC, you expressed your desire to don the Indian blue. Do you still want to play for India?Arata:I think it is a dream for any footballer to represent a country. With Indian roots engrained deep into me, I am positive about my approach and hopefully someday soon, I will get to don the Indian colors.

Siddharth: We know that the Japanese love their Baseball and their video games. What do you like doing in your free time?Arata: Reading to enrich thought and action. Though video games are always welcome for all footballers.

Siddharth: While playing for a team, it has been noticed that players form a special bond with some of the other players. David Beckham with Gary Neville at Manchester United, Lalrindika Ralte with Jeje Lalpekhlua at the Indian Arrows. Who is your best friend at Pune?Arata: I have had great pleasure in playing and learning with some many talented Indian and international players. I guess, the element of surprise has kept me guessing on that.

Siddharth: Finally,we know a lot about the On-Field Arata Izumi, a fast, hard working competitor. How would you describe the off-field Arata?Arata: Just as human as anyone else… learning and improvising everyday

Thanks a lot Arata for taking time out of your busy schedule to grant us this interview. We wish you all the best for the rest of the season and your career.