'I've loved proving people wrong'

As he makes his way through the media and flashes his good-humoured smile for the cameras, the six feet one inch tall Robin Singh seems to be in a good place in his career.

With jerseys of the Indian national team and more recently, the Bengaluru FC to call his own, he has established a place for himself in the field of Indian football as a player celebrated for his talent and immense potential. With echoes of the recent I-League win ringing in his ears, Robin Singh has come a long way since his days in Noida as a fledgling footballer. 

Reflecting upon this growth of his, he says, “When I took up football, it was a challenge. I had my first academic session with the Chandigarh Football Academy team at the age of 14 and they said I’d never become a footballer. That was the day I decided that I’d accept the challenge and ever since then, I’ve loved proving people wrong.” His self-confidence stands out as he adds, “When I was in East Bengal, there were talks about me not being a successful player and I think after winning the I-League, I’ve shown them that I can do it. People can say whatever they want to but I will be myself.”

Ask him about the unfortunate self-goal against his former I-League team (Bengaluru FC vs East Bengal) and he says with a cheeky grin, “I think that’s a jinx that every footballer takes with him that you’ve to score a self-goal for your own team. I think I’ve lived up to the jinx so I’m proud of myself.” He adds, however, “That being said, I love scoring goals. I think I’m a striker and that’s what BFC signed me for. There are more goals to cherish and I’ll do that again the next season. I’ll make sure I get to the right end this time though.”

In a country where the football fanatical youth has taken to the European Football League, over National Leagues and matches, recognising Manchester United and Barcelona over the Indian team itself, Robin voices his concerns and opinions, “The youth has no one to look up to in India. Why can’t I fill that void? So I want to be there. I want to take up that space in India in football.” His ever-ready humour breaks through as he adds, “If young boys look up to me, I’d like to tell them — don’t get tattoos like mine because there are plenty more to come!”  

With the experience of playing for the Indian team as well as a league team, ask him about the essential difference between the two and he says, “Let’s just say Ashley Westwood and Wim Koevermans — that’s the difference! Both of them have their own different styles and I love playing for both.” He adds, “Playing for your country is something to be proud of and playing for the BFC has been then proudest moment of my career because I won them the I-League. So I’m really happy to be a part of BFC as much as I am to be a part of I-League.”

He seems to have taken quite fondly to the City as the question of his home fans and their support leads him to say with a smile, “Bangalore fans have been perfect. I don’t want any other fans. We have over 8000 fans and I want the numbers to cross 80,000 now.”