I will play wherever Igor Stimac wants me to- Rahul Bheke
In an exclusive chat with Khel Now, the 2018-19 ISL winner talked about his recent national team call-up.
After a fantastic domestic football season, Rahul Bheke finally received a much-deserved call-up to India's national training camp, for the upcoming King's Cup. Present in Delhi's JLN Stadium, for the Blue Tigers' first training session under new gaffer Igor Stimac, the Bengaluru man alongwith FC Goa's Brandon Fernandes interacted with the media.
"I am very delighted to be called up to India's national camp. For me, my real work starts now. I am really looking forward to learn from a very experienced coach, and also to get into the team," said Bheke.
Watch: Rahul Bheke's interview with Khel Now
Bheke's call-up comes after he missed out on India's AFC Asian Cup squad, which turned out to be a controversial decision by former gaffer Stephen Constantine, as the 28-year-old had become a fan favourite due to his displays for Bengaluru FC.
"It was disappointing to miss out on the AFC Asian Cup squad. But it is the past, and now I am selected for the national camp. So, I really look forward to work and do well," quipped the former East Bengal man.
ALSO READ
Igor Stimac recently got appointed as India's head gaffer, after a long selection process, which consisted of the likes of Albert Roca. The Croatian is 1998 World Cup bronze medallist and has also managed The Vatreni in the past.
Regarding Stimac, he said, "So far, it is all good. We had a session yesterday evening, and we are looking forward to work under a very experienced coach."
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]Over the years, Bheke has become a very versatile defender, playing frequently as a centre-back, although he started is primarily a right-back. He said, "Although I prefer playing as a right-back, I can play as a centre-back too. I want to help my team whenever needed, and wherever my coach wants me to play, I will play there."
Anas Edathodika retired from the national team after India's AFC Asian Cup exit. The question amongst Indian football fans remains, about who will succeed the 32-year-old. Bheke is also being touted as a possible replacement due to his versatility. Regarding this, he quipped, "I have learned a lot from Anas. He was also my senior during my tenure with Mumbai FC, and he is really a good defender. I am looking forward to fill in the void left by him, and also give my best for the team."
- New faces called up in India's probable squad for Malaysia International friendly
- FC Goa vs Punjab FC lineups, team news, prediction & preview
- Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing tonight for Al Nassr vs Al-Ain in AFC Champions League Elite?
- Borussia Dortmund vs SK Sturm Graz Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds
- Celtic vs RB Leipzig Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds
- Petr Kratky highlights this Mumbai City FC player's performance against Kerala Blasters
- Mohun Bagan not be fined by AFC after recognising their case as 'Event of Force Majeure'
- How much bonus did Vinicius Jr miss out on after losing Ballon d'Or 2024 award?
- Mats Hummels' girlfriend: Meet Nicola Cavanis, her job, Instagram & more
- Ballon d'Or 2024: List of all award winners
- New faces called up in India's probable squad for Malaysia International friendly
- Is Al-Hilal star Neymar injured again after second match back from ACL injury?
- Manolo Marquez announces India’s 26-man probable squad for Malaysia friendly
- ISL 2024-25: Full fixtures, schedule, results, standings & more
- Mizoram Football Association take big action against match fixing scandal in MPL 11