Meet Aenam, the 14-year-old footballer from Shillong who trained at PSG

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Aenam Jyrwa is a 14-year-old footballer from Meghalaya who is a part of the Shillong Lajong Youth team. Recently, he got the amazing opportunity to train at Ligue 1 giants–Paris Saint Germain where he along with 4 other boys trained at the academy. Aenam started playing football at the young age of 7. He is currently in Goa training at the national academy and injury has caused him to be on the side lines but he vows to only get stronger and work harder. Talking to Jessica from TNT-The Northeast Today, the young attacking midfielder talks about his experience and even though he is still very young, he shows maturity and humility beyond his years. Here are excerpts from the interview.

TNT: Tell us about the PSG experience. How were you selected and what was it like to train at one of the top clubs in the world?

Aenam: I was chosen at a national team camp that took place in Bhopal,Madhya Pradesh. It has been a dream come true and I cannot express how amazing the ride has been.

TNT: Did you ever think that you would train at PSG? It must have been a dream come true moment to be selected by a top club.

Aenam: It was an unbelievable experience, I never thought that I would ever get to train at an academy like PSG. It is one of the best clubs in the world and I am still surprised that I was given such an amazing experience.I am now training at the National team Academy and I still can't believe it. So many doors have opened for me and I hope to give it my best.

Aenam at practice

TNT: You're in Goa with the national team right now, how has it been like so far?

Aenam: Well as you know I recently suffered an injury which will keep me out of action for 3 months but I am training hard to get my fitness back and hope that I will recover soon. I am however having a great time here and my teammates are also amazing.

TNT: How supportive has your family been about you wanting to pick football as a profession?

Aenam: My family are very supportive. I started playing football because my uncle was the one who introduced me to it. They always encourage me to chase my dreams and I am very lucky and grateful to have such a family.

TNT: You're with the youth team in Shillong Lajong, how have they helped you as a player?

Aenam: Shillong Lajong have not only helped me on the pitch but also off it. They always keep me motivated and help me with mistakes I make on the field. The coaches and staff at the club have made me a much better player than I was.

Aenam at the Euro 2016 (Quarter-Final–France vs Iceland)

TNT: Would you like to play for the ISL and who has been your favourite marquee player in the ISL so far?

Aenam: I think every player in India wants to play for the ISL. Hopefully someday I will. My favourite player is Steven Mendoza from Chennaiyin FC. He had an amazing season last year and I really like the way he plays.

TNT: What's your favourite Indian club and who is your favourite Indian player?

Aenam: Well I do play for Shillong Lajong so Shillong Lajong is my favourite club (laughs). My favourite I-League player is Jackichand Singh. He is very entertaining to watch and his speed and skill is really great.

TNT: What's your favourite club and who is your favourite player from all over the world?

Aenam: My favourite club in the world is Real Madrid and my favourite player is Cristiano Ronaldo. I am very happy that Portugal won the Euro 2016.

TNT: You were in France during the Euro 2016? What was the experience like?

Aenam: It was the most wonderful experience.The atmosphere was surreal. We watched the Iceland vs France match and it was amazing watching top class footballers in the world.

TNT: What do you hope would be the next step in your career?

Aenam: Right now I am focused on doing well here at the AIFF academy and represent India in any tournaments that I am selected to do so.

TNT: Thankyou Aenam for speaking to TNT-The Northeast Today. We wish you all the success in the future and hope your recover soon and see you back on the pitch.

(By Jessica Passah)

(jessica.passah.2@gmail.com)