No club contract,but Yadavs not worried

Bob Houghtons designated weapon of surprise in the Nehru Cup,Abhishek Yadav,says he doesnt mind playing for 15-20...

Bob Houghtons designated weapon of surprise in the Nehru Cup,Abhishek Yadav,says he doesnt mind playing for 15-20 minutes as long as he is contributing. But the experienced striker is different from his team mates he is the only player in the team who doesnt have a club contract.

However,its not a fact that bothers him. Ive been busy with national camps and never felt I dont have a contract. Maybe the feeling of getting up one morning and realising I dont have to go for practice will creep in once Im back in Mumbai. But I will try to finalise things soon, says Yadav.

His lack of a contract is not for want of takers though. I had at least four-five offers after the last season,and all from I-League clubs. I havent signed yet but I think ONGC will be a big team within the next three years, he says,hinting that he is likely to join the second-tier team.

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And he has his reasons. There will be no apparent difference in the responsibilities. As a striker my job will be the same for any team. (But) I can try to change the general atmosphere of the team by sharing my experiences. The real challenge will be to lead from the front. I have to work with a bunch of inexperienced players and if we can pull it through,it will be more satisfying, the former Mumbai FC player says.

His former club is still close to his heart and though going back may or may not happen,Yadav says he will miss his days at Mumbai FC. Mumbai FC are closest to my heart. I was there right from the day they started, the 29-year-old says,who was the face of Mumbai FC since their inception in 2007-08.

After qualifying for the I-League,they finished in the top five but financial problems followed. Until the last few weeks of the I-League we couldnt see any problems. We were rewarded with cash prizes for victories and the fan base was increasing,but everything changed in two weeks. I dont know if I will play for them again but I want them to be there.

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