Golui enjoying fabulous run in maiden outing

From being on the fringe for the once heavyweights of Indian football -- Mohun Bagan -- to playing a prominent role for FC Pune City, Sarthak Golui's nascent story has been one filled with great promise.

The Belanagar, West Bengal, born central defender has been a revelation as he seamlessly slotted into Ranko Popovic's side.

But for young Golui, playing in the Indian Super League was a distant dream that he never thought would turn into a reality.

"I never thought of playing in the ISL this season. I am contracted to Mohun Bagan. I got to know that Pune wanted me. It was a good chance as it could transform my career so I took the chance. I am playing on loan.

"Ranko has a lot faith in me. He gives the youngsters chance to prove themselves. No other team probably has as many youngsters as Pune does. So I'm happy that he believed in me and others and thought we could get the job done for him. I'm very happy to  be working with him," revealed Golui on the support and encouragement he receives from the head coach.

With a surplus of centre-backs, Popovic decided to employ his young talent on the wings and the 20-year-old hasn't disappointed and divulged that he had got a taste of playing right-wing-back during his Bagan days.

"I started at centre-back and played in that position since my childhood. But Sanjoy Sen moved me to right-back in the AFC Cup. He said, 'There's no chance to play you as a CB in this team. But I'm confident that you can play as a RB.' It was difficult initially to adapt to the position but with time, I have been comfortable. Now I am confident of playing in either position."

A big fan of former Chelsea skipper John Terry and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos, Golui, who learnt his trade watching his father play in  small leagues, believes that there isn't a vast difference between the I-League and ISL but the foreign talent on display in the latter gives it an edge.

"I don't see much difference as same players play in the ISL. But only difference, I think, is the quality of the foreigners. Good foreign players and coaches are coming to play in India with more experience. It doesn't matter for me to play in either of the league. I want to play. That's all," he opined.

Pune's next task will be against table-toppers Bengaluru FC in the semifinal first leg on Wednesday and Golui will have fond memories of their previous clash with him scoring his first professional goal in the 1-1 draw on February 16. Whatever be the result of Pune's season, Popvic terming Golui a 'diamond' will be something the youngster will cherish for years to come.