ISL 2017: 5 Indian prodigies who played abroad and where they are now

Manish Maithani

Manish Maithani

In 2015, an informal partnership between FC Pune City and Victoria de Guimaraes meant that Manish Maithani, along with Israil Gurung, was afforded the opportunity to sign for the Portuguese club. They were initially signed for the Victoria B side, with the opportunity to train with the first team later on.

While Gurung has gone on to secure himself top-flight football at Churchill Brothers, Maithani’s fortunes have not been as kind.

Manish, who had played for Kolkata giants like Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting, returned to India after four months and was subsequently parted ways with FC Pune City last year. Now, the defensive midfielder is playing for I-League 2nd Division side Southern Samity.