Ashutosh has already represented FC Pune City in the inaugural season of ISL and Mumbai City FC in the next two seasons.

Coming from a middle class Gujarati family in Malad, Ashutosh Mehta has battled the odds to play elite level football in the country. Malad has been one of the hot football destinations in the city and the 26-year-old hard working player born in Surat has changed his family’s outlook towards the game.

“I come from a Gujarati family. My family had no idea about football but they have been very supportive throughout. I have been playing for over a decade. Now they know things about football. In fact, they come out to support me at Cooperage football ground. They are happy to see me do well,” says the soft-spoken Ashutosh who is a utility footballer on the field.

From the start of his football journey he had been with Mumbai FC since junior days for about eight years until he and Jayesh Rane were released and their long-time coach Khalid Jamil was sacked last year.

The trio moved to Aizawl FC and changed the notion that Mumbai professional footballers can’t do well with outside clubs by playing a crucial role in I-League title win for the small club from North East.

Ashutosh has already represented FC Pune City in the inaugural season of ISL and Mumbai City FC in the next two seasons. This year he was picked by two-time champions ATK — Amar Tomar Kolkata for a sum of `45 lakhs in the players draft held last month.

The amount he fetched was less than what he had been offered from top I-League Kolkata Clubs. “Money was never a criteria,” defends Ashutosh. Playing for Aizawl was the toughest decision for the Mumbai duo to play in cool atmosphere with less money on offer. “Last year, it was a different scenario, coach (Jamil) wanted us, so me and Jayesh went without thinking about circumstances because he had given us a chance and it was time to repay his faith in us. I am thankful to him as it turned out to be a roller coaster ride,” he said.

This year, Jamil approached Ashutosh to play for East Bengal. “I had an offer from Mohun Bagan (football club based in Kolkata) and also Jamil. But the choice wasn’t between money, coach or top club this year. It was between ISL and I-league. Earlier, we could play in both leagues but this year we had to choose one and we went for ISL due to better competition and quality on offer,” adds Ashutosh, who had an offer of 75 lakhs from Bagan.

Ashutosh is looking forward to a long fruitful season with ATK. “It was a dream to play in Kolkata. I am happy to be part of ATK. I thank the management and will give my hundred percent. I know the pressure will be immense as ATK are two-time champions and the fans are passionate but we are ready for it,” With the likes of Teddy Sheringham and Ashley Westwood in the coaching staff, Ashutosh is aware of the challenges.

While Ashutosh is yet to be picked in the national squad, Jayesh has played for India U-23 team in the past. “The national team is my target and I am pushing myself to give my best. Sometimes things don’t go your way and you keep fighting on,” Mehta said.