With 51 international caps and numerous lethal deadballs, city’s veteran footballer Steven Dias hopes that he can return to haunt opposition defences and have another stint with the national team in the coming years. The attacking midfielder is currently a free agent after his contract with I-league club Mumbai FC had expired. “I have another 2-3 years left in my career and I am working hard to return to the team,” Steven says.
The 33-year old dribbler did not take part in the Indian Super League (ISL) player auction this year as he felt he was offered “very less money” and his playtime would have been too little.
He is keen on a comeback to the national team, for which he feels first team experience is necessary. “I had a chance to be there in the player draft but there were two major reasons (I didn’t take part). First was the low wage and second was the playing time. When I say I want to return to the (Indian) team, I am serious. If I stay in the I-League and do well, I might get a call up. I am not one of those who will sit on the bench and watch from the sidelines,” he says.
“I personally feel that the I-League has more competition than ISL. I will give it my best shot so that I can get a better base price in the next ISL draft,” he adds.
Steven has enjoyed spells at seven clubs where his contribution — especially his dribbling skills and long balls — were exceptional. Steven’s linkup with Sunil Chhetri was dangerous for opposition defences; they were quite an incredible duo for the Indian team for a long time. Steven made his debut in 2004 under Stephen Constantine, who was serving his first term as manager of the Indian football team.
Steven highlighted the role of the city and his family as he looked back at life. He grew up in Kurla near the Don Bosco School. “When I was small I used to go there with my brothers to play football. Initially we played for fun, but gradually people started to comment and say I was good. That’s how I became a footballer," he explained.
The midfield maestro comes from a family who were financially troubled. He lives in a small house in Kurla and emphasises the role of his brothers who supported him in life when needed.
"My brothers were always into football but they had to quit as we don’t come from a well-to-do family. Money has always been the greater concern for us. They (his brothers) were the ones who always had my back to help me grow as a footballer. My parents didn’t know much about the game. Bimal Ghosh, the Air India coach, spotted me and invited me to practise with his team. He told me to join the Central Bank of India team and promised me that if I did well I’d be able to join Air India afterwards,” recalled Steven while narrating his journey.
