New Delhi, Sep 14 (Inditop.com) From the bylanes of Cordoba to Kolkata Maidans, Argentine striker Sebastian Omar Monesterolo has traversed a long distance to join East Bengal football club.
After spending six years at Boca Juniors alongside star Argentine striker Carlos Tevez, Sebastian criss-crossed quite a few soccer-mad nations, trying his luck in Malaysia, Cyprus and also played for top Asian club, Kuwait FC.
“In Argentina there are thousands of Sebastians like me. I thought why not move out of the country and make a name for myself. I am hopeful that I can make my presence felt in India,” he told Inditop.
The 26-year-old, a product of Boca Juniors youth development programme, says he is in India not by chance but by choice. He is in Delhi with the Kolkata club for the Durand Cup.
“I made my decision the moment East Bengal coach (Shubash Bhowmick) made the offer while I was playing for Malta’s Valletta FC. As a professional footballer, it doesn’t matter where we are playing as long as the standard is good,” Sebastian said.
“I am aware where India stands in the world rankings, but I also know that a star- studded Argentina team came here to play in the Nehru Cup just after winning the World Cup. The country has a good football history, though they have to work hard to improve the current standards. Overseas players like me can contribute to raise the standards of domestic football,” he said.
Asked why did he leave Malta for East Bengal, Sebastian said: “I was bored there. I was looking for a new place and East Bengal happened at the right time. I found out the people in Kolkata are mad about East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, and also Argentina’s brand of football. It was an easy decision.”
Sebastian sees a role model in the legendary Maradona, who ended his football career at the Boca Juniors.
“It was my first year (1997) at Boca Juniors when it was his (Maradona) last. I was just a ball boy and was awed by his sheer presence. For every youngster of my generation Maradona is a demi god,” he said.
rounak