Arata Inzumi might don the Indian jersey

Former East Bengal and Mahindra United midfielder Arata Izumi, who now plays as attacking midfielder for Pune FC, might be seen in Indian colours soon. Arata will be the first foreign football to play for India.

Arata Izumi was born on 31st July 1982 in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi. His father was an Indian and had a Japanese mother. He became a Japanese citizen since his parents separated. On 2006, he first stepped into Indian football when he was recruited by East Bengal. Before joining East Bengal he had played in clubs likes Mitsubishi Migushima and Albirex Nagata Singapore.

Izumi has been shorlisted by Indian coach Wim Koevermans and might even feature in the friendly match against Palestine.

“I have been informed that Koevermans has shortlisted Arata,” said the Pune FC coach Derek Pereira to The Telegraph.

Until November 2012, Arata was still a Japanese citizen. He had applied for an Indian passport, and finally received it in November 2012. He even has an Indian name, Neelkanth Khambolja.

His berth in the Indian side is yet to be confirmed for the friendly match against Palestine or the AFC Challenge Cup. But after getting his Indian citizenship, Arata has now become eligible to play for the Blue Tigers.