Ishan Pandita becomes first Indian footballer to sign for a La Liga club

Leganes, Oct 5: It is a historical day for Indian football as Ishan Pandita becomes first Indian footballer to sign a professional contract with Spanish club and La Liga side Club Deportivo Leganes.

18-year-old Pandita who moved to Spain three years ago to pursue his career was linked with several other Spanish clubs including Getafe CF. He had a successful trial with the side but unfortunately, Pandita opted out at the last moment as the club got relegated in the previous season.

After signing the deal with Leganes, speaking to The Times of India, the Bengaluru boy said: "It's been a tough, hard three years here in Spain but at the end, it was all worth it.

"It feels great to be the first Indian to go down this path. Right from the moment, I decided to take a break from studies till now, I never gave up on my dream."

When asked about if he could adapt to the Spanish condition he said: "It was a bit hard to adapt and play the Spanish way in my initial days here. But since all the training I got during my formative years was from British coaches in Philippines, where I lived for a few years, the transition was smooth."

Pandita has been handed over the number 50 jersey of the club by the vice-president and owner Felipe Moreno. He will represent the U19 side of the club.

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