 grams here on newsclick.in. We are at Adidas, the base in New Delhi and we've been joined, Arjun Pandit and I have been joined by Lali Anzoala Changte of the Delhi Dynamos and his agent Raghav Sood representing the sports company. Now if you're watching this show, the chances are that you're a bit of a football fan so you would have heard that Changte is on his way to Norway to play for a trial with Viking FK, Viking Football Club. It's based in a small town called Stavanger in Norway which you might have heard of from the girl in the with the dragon tattoo that series otherwise there's no reason. Yeah, so most people will not have heard of him. So thanks for coming in here guys. We're excited about the trial that you're going on. How excited are you? Yeah I'm really excited because when I heard the news from this guy, I'm very surprised because getting the invitation letter from this club, one of the most successful club in Norway, it was amazing to get this opportunity for me. Raghav, before I get back to Zoala, could you tell us how much back and forth was involved? How did this deal go about happening and from how long have you been pushing clubs abroad to get Changte on the ground? Just to give a brief about Zoala, he's been always willing to play outside India so you know when we signed him. Since then, we started to win him on our networks outside India. So with this club, we did not only approach this club, we approached a couple of other clubs in Sweden, in Poland. And that's how they were growing up in Poland, also that showed interest, ran a club in Sweden and also that showed interest. But you know with Delhi Dynamo's relation with Viking FK, they also were very keen on exploring this and you know the way Viking FK did all the invitation letter, specialism that they showed. You know that was it and that's why we are taking this opportunity. But for people watching this right now, how does it work man? As an agent, you're giving videos of the player, you're telling them this is what he's done as a CEO. So with this Viking FK, we were very lucky because the CEO, Mr. Eric, was in Delhi in December and Zoala was playing in the ISL. So you know we had asked him to have a look and then after that we definitely, you know, we brought all the videos created at our office, making his insta profiles, CVs and everything and that's how we sent everything to all the clubs that we approached. Did you put the Nepal goal? Yeah, yeah, of course. There are a couple of other goals also. So you share that video, right? We can show it also. So a lot of the chat when India were going to the Asian Cup, we were expecting that if the team does well, they will generate some interest among clubs, at least Asian clubs for Indian players. Have you sort of, did you think about the idea of playing elsewhere in Asia as well or were you focused only on a Europe sort of thing? Yeah, actually since I was a kid, dreaming to be a professional football player and so what I was doing, to play outside India was my dream, playing outside India. But of course we watched a lot of English Premier League and European football. So playing in Europe will be a dream come true. Is that what you told them? You said, was that the conversations? You said that look, I want to play outside India. Whether it's Europe, Asia or wherever, I don't care. Europe is my first choice, always, yeah. And you're talking about teams you were watching growing up, which was your favorite team growing up? Favorite team is Chelsea FC. Bad days with Chelsea FC. Yeah, bad days. And by the way, the Viking FC knocked out them in 2003 I guess, in Super Cup. So it makes sense to go to Chelsea right now. You've gone abroad to the Liverpool Youth Academy. It was only a one-week training stint. Learnings you've taken from there because once you go to Norway, you won't have much time to acclimatize. Time on the ball will be less, decision making will be less. So are you taking learnings from that time? Of course, of course. When I recall it back, that time, when we went there, the climate was so cold. And we need at least 30 minutes to warm up. So I know it is not going to be easy. Of course. And that time, when we were in Liverpool, the players were very fast, very physical. And we have to think before we get the ball. Before the ball comes to me, I have to know where I should pass, where I should go. So that helps me a lot now. So I think I'm mentally prepared now. And physically, I'm ready. And was there a lot of hard tackling as well? That sort of an initiation when you go to a high level, a colder climate. Players come into you, get stuck into you. And then it sort of takes you time to get into it. Yeah, yeah, yeah, of course. But luckily, we haven't got much training time there. So I cannot kick some players as I wanted to. Have you been watching videos of Viking FK on YouTube, what they've been doing, at least seeing, highlighting? Yeah, yeah, yeah. What have you made of the team so far? I don't know much about the team, the players. But I watch their playing, I watch their goals, like the season goals. Can you tell us a bit about them, what did you make of whatever you've seen? I haven't got much profile from them. Actually, I don't know much about that thing. But I think they play the great football. You know, the ball on the ground, they're playing attacking football, I think. Raghav, just in terms of, I'm pretty sure there's not going to be only 4A into Europe. What Siddhan said earlier, from an agent's perspective, are you looking outside of Europe as well, say Asia and other continents? To be honest, we are keen on exploring that, like countries like Thailand, Australia, these could be good countries wherein firstly they are not, like Thailand to be honest, they are not far from India. And then the facilities, seeing the Asian Cup, the success that these teams have had, we are looking at, but we still, as he said, our first priority was Europe. But now that the football is globally expanding to Asia, we're looking at. Even though we know that it's not going to be easy, but still, that's our dream. Firstly, I think for a player to go outside and play, the most important thing is the mindset. And then second comes is the guidance. You know, if these young players don't get the right guidance of going out, making the bold move of going out and playing outside and trying, then things will not change. So it's more about the mindset. Quality-wise, there are so many talented players. We have seen the India under-17 World Cup team. A couple of them were in the main India team also. Some of them have gone out, she's gone out and played in Spain. So I believe it's more about the mindset and that's where as agents, we come into play that they should be getting the right guidance. Is there a case, I mean, still in a scenario where agents have to go to teams abroad and say, look, this is our player, rather than teams coming to agents here in India and inquiring, look, who's this guy? I think with the Indian football in mind, I think it's more of agents going to the clubs and approaching them and it's the start of a, let's say, a big name where things will change in the times to come. Obviously, with Indian football and national team also, it's improving day by day. So definitely the European clubs, Asian clubs will have a different view about Indian football now and hopefully tomorrow there will be Indian clubs approaching Indian players as well. Swala, of course, last time when you went to Liverpool for that one-week stint, you don't have the experience of the ISL with you. Now you're going with having played the ISL, you're pretty much one of those top 25 players in the country as well. How do you think your game has changed from that Swala that went to England to the Swala that's now going abroad? I think at that time I haven't got much experience because all I've ever played professionally was Sapa at that time. So going back here, I think it will make a big difference comparing to that time. So it will help me a lot. In what way? Would you say you're understanding? Yeah, of course, decision-making, understanding of the game. Even when you play professionally match day in and day out, so it helps you a lot by making mentally strong, physically strong. It will help me a lot. And I'm sure working under the foreign coaches, you know, Liverpool had the DSK, he was under Dave and now, you know, two different coaches in Delhi Dynamo and then the Indian national team. So that definitely helps a lot in changing the whole look to the game and understanding the game. Also, I've at least noticed when working on the broadcast, you have buffed up a little bit in terms of physicality. Is that a thing you say that I need to add a little more meat here, a little more muscle to go and play abroad? Yeah, of course. Because when I was in Liverpool Academy, even the 16-year-old player were very strong physically. So in my mind, I've got that in my mind. So I have to build my physical a little bit more. And now I think I'm a little more little worried. All our viewers, Zohala has 12 packs. And we're going to ask him after this interview to give us four packs at least, because we have zero packs. Please cheat, by the way. So, Raghava was talking about the mindset earlier. I wanted to just ask, now that with the ISL coming in, Indian players, at least the guys who are in the ISL are getting paid reasonably well. The chances are that the kind of money you earn playing in the ISL, you can save more than you will playing at a club abroad, because your cost of living, etc, etc, etc. So how do you approach this kind of, because you have to make a living also, and you have a short career, let's say 10 years, 15 years, you have to plan for the rest of your life. So how do you balance these two things out? The desire to play in Europe versus the money that, for example, ISL clubs are offering these days? Yeah, of course, it is a hard decision at the end of the day, because this year, by the grace of God, we played quite well. Not knowing that what we might get there and what offer we get there, so it's a hard decision. But since I was a kid, it was my dream to fulfill this thing. So I am willing to do this. Yeah, the money will come. He has the age right now on his side. You are 21 right now. Till how much are you giving yourself time that I am going to keep trying my luck abroad? Say another four or five years, is that what you are giving yourself? Or are you putting a time limit on it? I think it takes only a few days now. Just kidding. I am just kidding. Go to this one and bag it. Hope it happens, man. Hopefully. By the way, cut that thing. I don't want people to... No worries. So any conversation that you had with Gurpreet, because he has also played in the Norwegian League, and you guys were part of the national team set up? Not much, but I have been talked to him before. And also he told me that if you want to go abroad, you should go at this age. Not in 24, 25, 26. You should go at this age. He already told me when I was in the South Cup. So since then it was my dream again, and it inspired me a lot, that thing. And by the way, he went and he played well. And he came back and he is, you know, top. And one of the most earning... But you suppose that is also a way where, you know, in your next 3-4 years, you say I am going to try trying my luck outside. Hopefully I get something. Become a more established player. And then come back to India as the real deal. Like something what Gurpreet has done. Also, since we are talking about Gurpreet, players who have experience of playing abroad. Sunil Chhetri. What are the sort of conversations you had with this guy? Because he has taken his game, his aura, everything to another level. So just tell us one-on-one, what sort of conversations have you had with him? Actually, he is, you know, a great leader. First of all. And he guided us a lot in the training pitch. Even when we make mistakes, you know, even if he gets disappointed, he never stops. Yes, next time, next time. Like that, he is a kind of player. So even when I was out of the squad, he told me, you will make next time. And don't be sad. Just keep working hard. And I know you are not bad players. And just not your time. God will make your way. So he told me that. So he is a great player. And of course he is a great leader. You know, so we were doing a show on the Eshac Cup. And we were saying, look, this is Sunil's last tournament. He is 34 because now it cannot be captain leader, legend at 38, walking on a stick. So he replies on a message saying, Buddy, I'm playing the next station. You better watch out. Hopefully. Hopefully. But any conversations on playing abroad with Sunil, because he's also done that, he's played abroad? Not much, but I asked JJ about him and him. Yeah, both of them. And he told me that it's not going to be easy. You have to think, you have to be mentally very strong and physically also. But they encouraged me a lot. Even JJ told me that the most important thing is following your dreams. So if you're willing to do this, you should go. So he told me that. Raghav, just one last final thing. If this doesn't happen, once we come to the close of the ISL, are you guys still again looking for... Yeah, I'm not sure about the years that Zoala would like to give to his team. But after the season ends, and if this does not work out, we are going out all guns. Even Asian countries also, for that matter, we'll be looking at. And can you give us a few names that you've tried and maybe it's not worked out? There aren't any particular names, to be honest. So how it happens is that we come across some partner agencies and they refer to us to some clubs. So it wasn't any... It was just an initial interest for us to name that club right now. What about the opportunity in Poland? I have Poland. I don't remember the club. Sorry, it's a very tough name. And we have it on camera. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Finally, Zoala, just a word. What sort of conversation have you had with family? Yeah, because this is a tough sport, man. You don't get to stay at home and now you're going abroad. Is there a type of kid who's always on FaceTime or what's that video called? No, no, no, actually no. But my mom never missed a day without talking to me. Every day? Yeah. She wants to talk to me every day but I told her that it's not possible. So she missed me a lot and this is a hard decision for us. For the family. You know, because we could have earned more than last year now but looking to that point my parents were very happy with all my performances and taking this decision is a big choice, a big thing but they always support me, always, always. How much do you involve your family in your footballing decisions? For me, they're my first priority. So if mom said no, you're not doing this trial, you're not going? No, she will not. I'm just saying, hypothetically. If mom says yes, then it's fine. If mom says no, then I'm going for it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Last time when we both decided to go and chase our dreams when I told my parents also, my mom she doesn't understand much what will happen, what things are we doing actually but I explained to her and she said that it is your dream so you must fulfil and you must try to... Which mother is going to get in the way of her son's dreams, I would imagine? Yeah, yeah. I think to save her. She might not like the idea but I hope she misses you a lot more and you spend many years far away from home playing football in Europe and wherever it is that the game takes you. Thanks so much guys for joining us. We'll wrap up on that note. All the best. And we'll see you on 420 grams one way or the other when you're back. And one way or the other, let's take a promise if Zuwala does make it abroad, maybe even if not this time, whenever he does, he's calling us to that club for an interview. All expense paid. By the sports company. By the sports company. All plugs done, all sorted. Thanks for watching guys. See you next week.