"This is the most exciting thing I have ever done", Liza on her journey & love for Messi

Since the first day Liza has never failed to surprise the team management! She came in with very little experiences of playing the game but she surprised everyone with her progress. It is often said that she is the fastest learner of the game that FIIOB have ever witnessed.

In this lockdown, we sat with her and had a chat. What came out is although playing in competitive level is something new for her, following football and understanding the game is not! It's been 9 years now since she fell in love with Lionel Messi, and subsequently with the beautiful game!

Here's her story!

How did you start supporting Barcelona?

It's Lionel Messi why I started supporting Barcelona. In 2011 when Argentina vs Venezuela match took place in Kolkata, my father took me there as he's a Argentina fan. It was my first ever football match and I had no idea about the game at all prior to that. But the experience was pure bliss! I became an instant fan of Messi after watching him dribbling past four players in front of me!

Then I followed 2014 FIFA World Cup throughout and got emotionally attached with the game. From 2015, I started watching all Barcelona matches, learned about their history and philosophy, and it grew.

And in order to keep interest, you need people around yourself to discuss. Who all are your people to discuss all these? Who all have been most supportive?

I mostly discuss about football and learn many things from two of my close friends. Actually it is one of them who added me in FIIOB facebook group. Both of them have been very supportive. Also, other people around me think that it's usual for a girl to follow football so religiously. So they never treated my interest as "unusual" or "weird". That has helped a lot too. When you are doing something that many don't and it is accepted as normal - that's the biggest support.

So since then, back in 2015, didn't it click like if I can play the game as well?

I didn't see any girl around me playing any outdoor game like football, cricket or hockey. I remember playing cricket a few times in my school days with my batch mates (boys) after our coaching class but only as a fielder as they were short of player. That's it.

Never thought I can play such a body contact game like football as I had been treated as a weakling in my family. So it was the last thing one could imagine me doing. Also I never thought I can play the game in my life.

And then what made you change your thoughts?

Last year I started working out on a daily basis in our nearby park where my boyfriend and other friends play football. He insisted me to practice with him. I had been practicing the basics like passing ,receiving once or twice a week when his teammates used to be absent. But never had the gut to play match as it was quite intimidating for me. Then a couple of months later a friend of mine told me about FIIOB Reginas trial as she had been following my football related posts. I denied at first but my boyfriend almost forced me to go and after the trial I was like this is the most exciting thing I have ever done in my life! More exciting than watching Barcelona matches!!

What has changed in your life since you have become footballer Liza?

It has changed me as a person a lot. I feel stronger than before, not only physically but mentally as well. I do not consider myself as a weakling anymore. I have become more regular in things like exercising, following healthy diet in order to improve myself. Now I watch matches more carefully so that I can learn and implement the same while playing as I know I'm the most inexperienced one in the field. So I have to put extra effort to retain my position in team. Also I feel way more competitive than before and want to win no matter what.

Meeting such great teammates and coaches is another great thing. Not only coaches but the teammates push me to bring out my best. It's only possible in football or any other team game where your teammates are as concerned about your improvement as you are in order to improve the whole team. I have not seen this in educational field ever. So it's a new world for me.

What was going in your mind when you first went to play in the tournament for FIIOB Reginas?

It was really intimidating at first but once I started playing I forgot everything. The only thing in my mind was that I have to give my best no matter what.

And from that Liza who never thought of playing football to this Liza who was bleeding but didn't care about it, got back into the ground and dribbled past three - that transition was too quick! Ain't it?

To be honest when I got hit and my nose was bleeding I still had no idea as I was full focused till the last second. After the match was over I actually realized it. Before that incident, whenever I saw players playing with bleeding forehead or nose, I used to think they are incredible, I would have probably laid on ground and stopped playing in such situation. But when the same happened to me I realized what passion and zeal are and what they can bring out of one!

I don't know if it was quick or not. I only know that I practiced hard. Not only on scheduled weekend practice days but also the weekdays.

So when you actually became a footballer, started attending practices, it must have felt new and at the same time, it might have felt you belong to this place. This was something destined. Right?

Absolutely. I really feel so. It's like an absolute nightmare when I think "what if I wouldn't have gone for trial". Yes it was new, not only the people but the atmosphere around me, the experience, new activities. I'm very timid person but in this case I adopted everything in no time. Because here the people around me are great and so supportive. Also my passion which I came to realize so late made me do so. Yes, I belong to this place and I'm grateful that the trial happened. Otherwise, the most exciting part of my life would have remained unexplored!

Imagine you yourself has given an opportunity to decided your playing position. Which position you would have been playing in? And why? What are the qualities you think you possess will be best used in that position?

Central Attacking Midfielder! I think I'm good at passing and providing through ball. Also I have been practicing some dribbling skills lately. So I think that will also be helpful.

So tell us about your typical dream moment? What it would be like?

Dribbling opponents like Messi does, assist or score the winner for my team! It's my ultimate dream!

Also, winning every single tournament!

And where do you see yourself in next 2 years?

I see myself as one of the best players in the team. I have to work on all my weaknesses, learn more and practice more. Also, it will be great if I get an opportunity to lead my team as well.

No wonder Liza never fails to surprise! As the conversation progressed, emotions flowed and what came up is an inspiring story of a girl who, even when she was not sure enough, decided to give it a try and her flight took off in no time! Truly support is the most powerful thing that we can offer to anyone!

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