Kromah wants to play alongside Chhetri in Indian team

CALCUTTA (India): Liberian international Ansumana Kromah has evinced his interest to play alongside Sunil Chhetri in the Indian team in future.

Kromah, who has applied for Indian citizenship, plied his trade in Calcutta Football League (CFL) with Peerless FC and top-scored with them this season.

But the 27-year-old, who is married to an Indian woman Puja Dutta, will have to wait for another couple of years as per the Citizenship Act of Government of India, first he will have to surrender his Liberian passport followed by a cooling off period.

Calcutta has changed my life. The city has given me a recognition and respect. I’ve got a good wife. I was happy to return to Kolkata from Goa. I’m grateful to Calcutta.

Ansumana Kromah

Top foreign players in the past – Chima Okorie, Bernard Oparanozie, Iranian Jamshed Nassiri — who had played, married and stayed in India for more than two decades, had never their surrendered their citizenship in lieu of an Indian one.

If Kromah gets an Indian citizenship, it would be a significant one for Indian football.

Khelupdates caught up with the CFL top-scorer at his Kalikapur flat recently.  

Excerpts from an Exclusive Interview:

Will you give up your nationality to play for India?

Kromah: Yes. I want to acquire Indian citizenship. I married an Indian woman, and I’m constantly adapting to the Indian culture.

Have you already applied for citizenship?

Kromah: Yes, I’ve already applied for citizenship. After receiving Overseas Citizen of India card, I’ll have to wait for two more years. After that cooling off period, I hope to get Indian citizenship. If selected, I want to play for India. Maybe, one day I’ll turn out for Team India and play alongside Sunil Chhetri.

Why did you quit Mohun Bagan and East Bengal?

Kromah: The situation isn’t always the same. Not everything depends on my wishes. I’ve to see how kind the officials are, and the coach. My performance was good at Mohun Bagan. Then one of my brothers came from USA and planned to stay in Goa, and I wanted to stay with him.

Do you think Bagan and East Bengal suffered due to their egos?

Kromah: Of course, yes. When these two teams play, their rivalry often divides the Bengali society into two parts. Personally, I don’t like this kind of anger and hatred. Both these clubs boasts of a rich history and legacy. I’m very fortunate to have represented them. I just hope and pray that one of them win the I-League this time. It’ll be good for Bengal football, but they must dump their attitude. It has harmed their growth in Indian football

What was the reason behind Peerless’s success?

Kromah: We played as a team. There were no differential attitude towards the juniors in the squad. As the captain, I was able to earn the confidence of my team-mates. I used to motivate them by saying ‘You can make history. All of you will be remembered as champions as nobody bothers to chase the runners-up teams’.