Sports Desk | Kolkata
In the unpredictable world of Indian football, where an athlete's prime is rigidly capped around the age of 35, the clock is always ticking. But for versatile midfielder and right full-back Mahroos Siddiquee Nadim, the battle isn't just against time—it’s against a system that often prioritizes local Maidan connections over raw merit.
Despite boasting an impressive youth pedigree with Mohun Bagan AC and solid stints with clubs like Minerva Academy and Assam Dynamo Club, the Pujali-born footballer has recently found himself sidelined by Kolkata Premier Division selectors, reportedly due to not being part of the traditional Kolkata club circuit.
Breaking his silence on the current phase of his career, a resilient Mahroos made his intentions crystal clear to our reporter:
"I know football has a shelf life, and Indian players can realistically play at the top level until they are 35. Right now, I might not have a team, and yes, I am being sidelined just because I haven't played directly in the Kolkata Maidan before. But my question is: how long can they keep me out? If my performance speaks for itself, no amount of politics can hold me back permanently."
Responding to whispers about his future as a free agent, Mahroos completely shut down any rumors of walking away from the game.
"Let them do what they want. I will tolerate it, I will grind, but I will never quit football. I didn't dedicate years of my life, blood, and sweat to this game just to leave it midway. I am here to stay, and my game will do the talking."
With the transfer window active, the determined free agent is currently pushing his limits in functional training, waiting for the right performance-based contract in the I-League to prove his detractors wrong.