Bengaluru’s Ishan Pandita has become the first Footballer from India to sign a contract with La Liga a premier football division of Spanish football league. The 18 year old has a one-year-deal with newly promoted side Club Deportivo Leganes, who are 11th in La Liga.
Even though Pandita is signed with the main team, he will begin playing for the club’s U-19 side first. He was given the `No. 50′ blue-and-white striped home jersey by club vice-president and owner, Felipe Moreno, at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque stadium in Leganes.
“It’s been a tough, hard three years here in Spain but at the end, it was all worth it,” Pandita told TOI.
The Bengaluru lad, who grew up in the Philippines moved to Bengaluru in 2009. It was two years ago, when he decided to give up his studies and pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer in Europe. Pandita took the decision of moving to Spain, where the young, talented striker joined the UD Almeria’s youth system. His game tremendously improved there, as he trained with some of the best coaches and players.
Prior to joining Leganes, Ishan underwent trials with another La Liga club, Ge tafe (second division) club. He almost came close to signing a professional contract with the club. However, that was not to be, as got relegated at the end of the season.
