I am thrilled about being called up to the India national camp after seven long years- Adil Khan

The FC Pune City star last made an appearance for the Blue Tigers in 2012.

The preliminary squad announced for the upcoming King's Cup saw new head coach Igor Stimac give debut call-ups to many players from around the country. FC Pune City midfielder Adil Khan was among those included in the 37-man squad, meaning the 30-year-old's long journey and years of hard work finally paid off.

After playing for years around the Indian Football circuit, Khan finally got his recognition thanks to his excellent work with FC Pune City.  He rose through in the fourth edition of the Indian Super League(ISL) and was among their stars during last season’s resurgence under Phil Brown. Adil made 17 appearances last season, making 91 tackles in those, averaging 27+ passes per game and also scoring two stunning goals.

However, in his celebrated career, getting a national call-up at this age was probably the Goan's best achievement. Khan last made an appearance for the Blue Tigers way back in 2012 and was hardly called up afterwards. However, seven years later, this is the case of beautiful redemption for the 30-year-old.

The FC Pune City man spoke exclusively to Khel Now after receiving the news and spoke about his feelings on being selected, “I’m really so happy and thrilled about being called for the national camp after seven long years. It feels like it’s the best wedding gift I got just a fortnight after I got married.”

The 30-year-old also spoke on coach Igor Stimac and plans on developing a good working relationship with the Croatian. He said, “Frankly I don’t know much about the new coach except what I’ve read over the last few days. Now is the time for the players to get to know the coach and vice versa, so we can form a good bond.”

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Khan also spoke about the King's Cup and whether the current squad can go all the way into winning it under Stimac. He stated, “Yes definitely. It’s surely possible to go out there and bring glory because looking at the squad right now it has the perfect balance of youth and experience. We need to work hard and play like a team.”

When the Euphoria wears out for Khan, he’ll have to start preparing in what is expected to be a grueling preliminary camp under the Croatian. A number of players will be rejected and only the best will be taken to Thailand for the Kings Cup. If Khan wants to go beyond to solidify himself into the national team, he’ll have to continue his good work in the camp and prove himself at the highest level.