Mohammed Rafi is the Best Footballer of India

Lack of unity has always been a problem with Indian football teams in the past. While there has been no dearth of talented players donning the national colours, but the solidarity seen now among the players is unprecedented. Instead of taking credit for any achievement, they believe in crediting their teammates for their accomplishments. Newcomer Mohammed Rafi is no different.

Having won the Indian Player of the Year award at the Football Players Association of India (FPAI) awards in the Capital on Sunday, Rafi believes it is the backing he got from his teammates that helped him achieve the accolade.

“It felt great to be nominated for this award in the first place, let alone win it. I dedicate the award to both my national and club teammates. Although I am new to the national team, the players treat me just like any other senior pro. In fact, we are more like a family than a team of individuals from different backgrounds,” Rafi said . “ I would also like to thank my Mahindra United teammates who supported me right through the last I- League season.

It was the first time that I started playing as a forward and it was a great experience. Had it not been for their constant support, even on days when I failed to score, I wouldn’t have been named the best Indian player.” Subrata Paul, who won the Fan Player of the Year award, feels the two- year- old awards are a great initiative by FPAI president and national captain Bhaichung Bhutia.

“It is a great move by Bhutia to recognise the efforts of the players. As for me, I am elated. Any type of award gives me satisfaction and the fact that the fans voted for me excites me to further excel in my job and be remembered as India’s best custodian,” Paul said .

In the other categories, Joaquim Abranches was declared Young Player of the Year, Churchill’s Odafe Okolie was named the Foreign Player of the Year, Anthony Pereira was named Fittest Player of the Year and Dempo’s Armando Colaco won the Coach of the Year award.