ISL 2017/18: Kerala Blasters' Rino Anto delighted to be back in Jamshedpur

What's the story?

Indian football has been making waves for a number of reasons lately, mostly due to the mass appeal of the Indian Super League (ISL). After players made the mandatory switches to their new ISL clubs from their initial local teams, the step forward has largely benefited talented young Indian players. For many though, getting a chance to play at a former local club is a treat in itself.

Kerala Blasters defender Rino Alto took to Twitter to express his delight at being able to return to the Tata Football Academy, synonymous with Jamshedpur FC, as the two teams get ready to lock horns in the ISL. His excitement was clearly visible from his social media post.

TATA Football Academy was my first ever platform and coming back here brings back many good memories. Life really does come full circle. :) #JAMKER

— Rino Anto (@rinoanto) January 17, 2018

In case you didn't know...

Anto may have played for a number of Indian clubs but he is a product of the famed Tata Football Academy which is stationed in Jamshedpur. The right-back graduated from the academy in 2008, after which he has played for many top clubs including Mohun Bagan and now the Kerala Blasters.

The heart of the matter

The Tata Football Academy is often considered the mecca for Indian footballers and the fact that the excitement of players to be back there is so high shows that they must be doing something right. Over the years, the academy has been responsible for giving us a host of players who have gone on to play for the Indian national team.

Anto's joy at being back in the academy will have to stop short, however, as the Kerala Blasters are only in town so that they can continue their movement up the ISL table when they take on Jamshedpur FC.

What's next?

Kerala Blasters will play Jamshedpur FC tonight in what should be a high-octane clash.

Author's take

The Tata Football Academy has paved the way for plenty of Indian footballers and seeing them acknowledge the same is always a great thing for fans to witness.