After being a part of Chennaiyin FC in the first season of ISL, city boy Sanjay Balmuchu is back in his hometown, this time as a part of Jamshedpur FC.

The 26-year-old defender, a 2012 graduate of Tata Football Academy (TFA), has been signed for JFC. Currently in Mumbai where the team played their first match this season on Tuesday, Balmuchu is brimming with excitement to represent the city that made him a footballer.

“Jamshedpur has always been my home. Happy to be back in the city from where it all started,” said Balmuchu, who hails from Chota Lunti village, about 70km from Chaibasa in West Singhbhum, through WhatsApp.

The agile and fit defender has also played for various clubs in the I-League. “My days at Tata Football Academy (TFA) will always be special as it’s here where I became a professional footballer. I learnt how to work together as a team. My family has been my backbone and I owe my achievements to them,” he said.

Balmuchu also reminisced about his old days at TFA. “Senior and junior cadets at the cradle shared a good bond and always helped each other. We also cracked jokes but respected one another as well. I remember once senior cadets had burst a cracker in my room. I was so frightened and rushed out only to see them laughing loudly,” he recollected.

He added JFC had a great pre-season in Spain. “Both players and support staff have bonded well as a unit. We understand each other and always work together,” he said.

On how he relaxes on his off days, Balmuchu said he loved listening to Hindi songs. “Some Hindi songs are so soulful and they help in relaxing the mind and body,” he said.

Though Balmuchu was not part of the match against Mumbai City FC on Sunday, he still looks forward to find a place sometime in the tournament. “I am sure I will get a chance to play for my

team and more importantly for my city,” he signed off.