Goa: FC Goa announced the signing of a promising youngster, Ishan Pandita on Saturday (October 3) on a one-year deal. Pandita signed an initial one-year deal with the club and is set to be a part of the squad ahead of the Indian Super League and the AFC Champions League this season.
Pandita became the first Indian who signed a professional contract with a La Liga club, CD Leganes in 2016. There he turned out for the club’s U-19 side, which at the time plied its trade in the Division de Honor Juvenil, the top level of the Spanish system for youth players. The young talent was delighted to have signed for the Gaurs.
“I am excited at the opportunity. I want to come in and show what I can do, and score goals for FC Goa. I am ready to come in and show everyone what I’ve got. It is a team that creates a lot of chances, and the whole philosophy goes exactly with what my game is based on. I am an attacking player coming into the most attacking-minded team in India, so I can’t be more ecstatic,” Pandita said after signing for FC Goa.
“I feel I made the right choice in signing for FC Goa over the other teams that were pursuing me. One of the biggest influences in helping me make the decision was coach Juan Ferrando.I spoke to him personally in Spain and he conveyed his style of football and the philosophy that he follows. I felt that it suited me to a tee. Additionally, the whole Spanish contingent was a big help. I am well aware of the Spanish style and this, I feel will help me get my bearings right, right off the bat,” he said.
Ishan, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir was born in New Delhi before moving to the Philippines and then Bangalore. He moved to Spain in 2014 to get proper training and to learn the game better He spent his initial days in the youth set up of UD Almería, and then moved to CD Leganes. Further, he moved to Nastic de Tarragona for a stint in their U-23 side before he signed for Lorca FC.
