ISL 2022-23: I was able to wear my dream India jersey only because of my performances in the NEUFC jersey – VP Suhair

NorthEast United FC forward VP Suhair gave credit to his own performances in the previous season of the Hero Indian Super League 2021-22 for earning the Indian call-up. After his impressive show in the previous edition, Suhair got the chance to play friendlies against Bahrain and Belarus for the Blue Tigers.

The 29-year-old had done a decent job for the Highlanders in the last season as he had scored four goals and had also provided two assists. There is no doubt that Suhai has definitely shown improvement in his game and he will look to continue the good show for NorthEast United FC.

In an exclusive interview with indiansuperleague.com, Suhair said, “I got my first chance to play in the Hero ISL for NorthEast United FC. I played 38 matches for the Highlanders. All those matches were very exciting. Also, I was able to wear my dream India jersey only because of my performances in the NEUFC jersey. I was able to play 38 matches and score seven goals in the past two seasons. It should also be mentioned that the management and the fans will support us equally whether we are winning or losing. I am happy to play for North East United FC anytime.”

Meanwhile, there is no doubt that the level of Football is slowly but surely improving in India and a lot of credit goes to the Hero ISL. Suhair reckons that more people are now showing interest in the sport, which is great for the future of the game in the country.

He added, “After the advent of the Hero ISL, football has reached more people in India. More people started watching the game on TV. First, everyone watched cricket on TV. After the launch of the Hero ISL, people started watching football too. Similarly, the facilities in the field related to football have increased. People started recognizing players like me wherever I am going. The Hero ISL has greatly influenced the growth of Indian football. This time India qualified for Asian Cup with historic performances. All this happened with the advent of the Hero Indian Super League.”

As it is confirmed that the upcoming season will be long and the striker reckons it will definitely benefit Indian players and their football. Suhair feels players will now get more time to recover between matches, which they didn’t get in the earlier seasons due to a tight schedule.

He concluded, “The main benefit of increasing the number of matches is that recovery will be better. Earlier, after a match, it was generally two or three days. In this situation, three days will become six days. This is very beneficial for recovery. Players will be fit. It will increase the team’s achievements. Longer seasons are good for the players and the team.”