‘Wanted my family to be in a safe place’ – Ivan Kalyuzhnyi opens up on his move from Ukraine to India to play in ISL

On Sunday, Mumbai City FC will face Kerala Blasters in one of the most important games of the Indian Super League season. Ivan Vukomanovic and player Ivan Kalyuzhnyi spoke to the media before departing for Mumbai for their away game.

Ivan Kalyuzhnyi is the first Ukrainian to play for an Indian Super League club, and he has dominated the competition. He quickly became popular among his fans. The story of how a young, gifted player was transferred from a top league to India, on the other hand, is not a happy one.

Ivan reflected on the situation in his home country. “When the war started I wanted to move to Poland but my parent club did not find an agreement with them. Then my agent informed me that there is an offer from India. We talked for three months before agreeing on a move. I wanted my family to be in a safe place, it is very difficult in Ukraine,” he said. 

Ivan is on loan from FK Oleksandriy for the season. He did, however, express a desire to remain with the Blasters. “I’m happy with Kerala Blasters and I’d like to continue here. But it is difficult because I’m not a free agent. My club will ask for big money, not small amount,” he added. 

Kerala Blasters coach Ivan Vukomanovic believes the team’s home loss to Mumbai City at the start of the season occurred before his team had a chance to adjust to the squad changes.

“As a coach or player I like to play these games, because it pushes you to show your best. When you compete against the best teams, you want to be the best. Our defeat was early in the season. We were in a stage where we were figuring out new things, young players coming up. I am also happy that we had a struggling period because it exposes your weaknesses, which you have to work on”.