ISL 2024-25: From almost quitting football to getting maiden India call-up, Chennaiyin’s Irfan only wants to look ahead

ISL 2024-25: From almost quitting football to getting maiden India call-up, Chennaiyin’s Irfan only wants to look ahead

Only the most avid followers of Indian football would have heard of Irfan Yadwad before this season. From playing a bench role for Chennaiyin FC, he is now an integral part of Owen Coyle’s setup.

Characterised by his dogged nature, often an asset for a footballer, he has been a livewire for Chenaniyin on the flanks, with a goal and two assists in 10 appearances. However, statistics should not be the only metric to judge Yadwad’s output.

His burst in form earned Yadwad a national team call-up, and he almost had a dream national debut, coming close to scoring for India in its international friendly against Malaysia.

Sportstar caught up with the forward, who spoke about his early days playing football and why he contemplated giving up on the sport at one point in his life.

For me, it has been a great season till now. We have played nine matches, and I have started all of them. It is a big thing for me because last season was my first, and I was not getting much time to play. However, this time, I am starting every match, trying to do better every day and also helping the team go up in the table.

I am learning something new from every training session and analysing how I played in every match. Last season, I was getting 15 to 20 minutes of game time on average, but even that was important for me. Hard work is everything to me, and it helped that the coach was constantly speaking to me individually. He promised me that I would get my chances if I worked hard.

No, it is all about confidence. I knew I was missing easy chances in every match. I was getting into good scoring positions, which made the coach happy, but the finishing was not coming. The coach told me not to worry and advised that if I consistently got into good positions, the goals would come.

My journey has been difficult. I was always very passionate about football. My father was a footballer, but he only played in local tournaments. I remember going and watching every match of his.

I started in 2018-19 with Sporting Club De Goa and was there for two years. Then I went on to play for Panjim Footballers. I had a big setback that time as I got injured – I had a tear in my meniscus. I was out from playing for almost three months.

There was a time when I decided that I would not play football anymore. My mom also told me that I didn’t need to play because she saw how much pain I was in and the difficulties I was facing. But my father never wanted me to stop playing and convinced my mother that I should continue. He was convinced I had a future in football. Seeing him support me so much, I knew I had to do something for my family.

I did not look back from there. I recovered and then went for trials at Bengaluru United. I must have been doing something good because they liked my football. Even though times were difficult, the urge to do something for my family motivated me enough.

For me, family is everything. I never had any support from my cousins or relatives, only from my family – my brothers, my mom and my dad. Whatever I am today, is because of them. I don’t want anything for myself. I want to give them a good life.

No, I don’t really have a preference. Last season, when I came in, I played as a striker. I was not getting much time. That has changed this season. Having a good bond with the coach helps because he speaks a lot about my playing style. He told me I do not need to restrict myself to playing as a winger or a striker. When I don’t have the ball, I have a free role, which helps me play better.

Like everyone, it is a dream to play for the national team, and I was happy I got the call. As soon as I saw my name, I called my mother. She was overjoyed. I know my family wants to see me play more for India. I know there are so many places I can improve, but I also know there is no fixed striker in the Indian team. I am aware of my capabilities, and that is important to me.

I was nervous, but that was very natural. I spoke with coach Manolo [Marquez] as well. He said it was okay to be a little nervous before the match, but I had to be completely focused once I was on the pitch. I got a lot of help from my teammates. Farukh [Choudhary] bhai was also there. He was supporting and guiding me every minute.

After two matches on the road, Chennaiyin will play a home clash against East Bengal, which secured its first win of the season, winning 1-0 against NorthEast United FC. Losing 0-1 to Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan Super Giant in its last clash, Irfan and his Chennaiyin side will hope to bounce back stronger.