Young, vibrant and ever-smiling. 24-year-old striker Jayesh Rane spoke to t2.
How did football start?
Yeah my uncle was a footballer and he was the one who got me into football. I also wanted to study more. But my parents asked me to focus on either of the two and I had to choose between studies and football.
I wanted to take science, but I would’ve had to attend practicals and everything. So I thought it was better if I took commerce... didn’t attend college and concentrated on football. I wanted to be a doctor. But I don’t have any regrets. Football is my hobby and if you’re doing what you love, you’re always happy.
How’s your first season in ATK going?
ATK are two-time ISL champions… so it’s a new challenge for me. Looking forward to doing well. But I was also surprised when they picked me, because no one from ATK had spoken to me before the auction, while most of the other teams had already spoken to me. It’s been great... playing in Calcutta, the hub of Indian football is always good… but also a lot of pressure!
How do you handle the pressure?
I handle it by listening to music and talking to my family. I love Bollywood songs… slow songs. Arijit Singh, EDM, party songs… every kind of music.
How are you settling in at ATK?
Everyone in the team is new except Debjit (Majumder), Prabir (Das) and Keegan (Pereira) I think. But if you see the team, you won’t feel like everyone is together for the first time. Everyone has gelled really well and you’ll see that on the field on the 26th as well.
How’s Teddy Sheringham as a coach?
He’s a great man… a great coach. He likes his players to be aggressive, to give their 100 per cent on the field and also he’s a coach who’s always helping us improve our game.
Did you follow him while growing up?
Yes, of course I watched him... he’s scored so many goals… he’s one of the idols for sure. But my main idol was Ronaldinho. I used to watch his skills. Also Andres Iniesta.
What are we most likely to find you doing when you’re not playing?
I love to sleep! Because after playing football you’re tired and you need rest. I love watching movies, I go out with friends. Also food! I’ve had rasgullas and mishti doi from here till now. I love sweets!
What do you look forward to the most when you come to Calcutta?
The fans! They are so passionate about football and hope we get to play in front of a packed Salt Lake stadium. And if it’s full, it’ll be double pressure I guess. But looking forward!
You seem pretty conscious about your style. Any icon you follow?
I don’t follow anybody as such. I just have two tattoos... but I’m very conscious about my hair, but it just takes me two minutes to set it... believe it or not!
He’s already played for English clubs Swindon Town and Coventry City, but this year Conor Thomas will be the man ticking things along in the midfield for ATK. t2 caught up with the 24-year-old.
How did ATK happen?
A lot of factors put together. The gaffer (Teddy Sheringham), playing with Robbie (Keane). Working with people like them is a great experience. I want to win a championship and I think this is the place to do it. As soon as I found out about ATK… I did my research… saw the fans, a few videos and I thought, ‘Wow’. Fans in England are crazier, but this was amazing as well. So it was too good to turn down.
What has it been like?
It’s been really good. I’ve learnt a lot from the gaffer and Robbie. If you can’t learn from people like them, you cannot learn from anyone. They’ve been really good. Helped me change my game a little. I want to learn as much as I can from them and I think the way the gaffer wants us to play should be really entertaining.
What will we find you doing off the field?
Will be watching a lot of Netflix here. I’m more into TV series. I like comedy, easy-watching. I watched Power… have you watched? You should definitely watch Power! It’s better than Peaky Blinders. I haven’t watched Game of Thrones because I don’t quite like the genre.
You don’t have plans of exploring the city?
Yes! I plan on going to the city... play a bit of golf. Apart from that gym, swim, look after myself. I want to see what Calcutta has to offer. The people here are lovely… haven’t been out too much… still need to explore the city but really enjoying myself here. I want to go to Quest mall, I’ve heard it’s very good… maybe I’ll go see the city after our game.
Anything specific on your Calcutta bucket list?
I want to do a lot of community work. I’ve already asked three-four different people. In England, they do a lot of community work in schools and with children. I know in India, a lot of people aren’t as privileged as those in England. I wanna go to these people and help out as much as I can.
Yes! I’ve heard the fish is really nice here. Also I’ve had a friend who’s been here before and he WhatsApped me asking me to try the street food here.
Pictures: Pabitra Das
