Mumbai City FC’s defender Amey Ranawade living the dream

Mumbai City FC`s right-back Amey Ranawade with the ISL League Winners’ Shield and the ISL trophy

Indian Super League (ISL) team Mumbai City FC's (MCFC) defender Amey Ranawade, 23, is living a dream.

The Mumbai-based footballer recently signed a four-year contract extension with the Islanders.

Ranawade broke into Sergio Lobera's side and went on to make 20 appearances in a historic season for MCFC, with the Islanders bagging the ISL League Winners' Shield and the ISL trophy.

The journey to success has not been all rosy for the young right-back. From having no club to getting no game-time and having to change clubs every season, Ranawade has strode a thorny path.

"I always believe that If I work hard and focus on what is in my hands and give my 100 per cent, I will get what I deserve," Ranawade told

mid-day.com, when asked how he managed to believe in himself when he found himself on the fringes at FC Goa.

He added: "I believe God is watching and if you cheat on yourself and do not work hard, you will not get what you deserve."

Son of a professional kabaddi player, Ranawade took to football after he started accompanying his sister to summer camps. He fell in love with the sport and since then, he has always dreamt of a career as a footballer.

"I still remember when I was in the AIFF [All India Football Federation] Academy in Goa, which is near the Fatorda Stadium. We used to sit outside and watch how the professional players conducted themselves. I always dreamt of being there playing in that stadium. And eventually, it came true," said Ranawade.

After graduating from the AIFF Academy, Ranawade joined I-League side DSK Shivajians. But after the club dissolved in 2017, he joined FC Goa and after failing to get game-time, he left for Mohun Bagan [2018-19]. He returned to FC Goa but after the club did not renew his contract, he joined Bengaluru United before signing for MCFC in 2020.

For Ranawade, playing in the ISL has been a big step in terms of professionalism and experience.

"There is a huge difference between playing in I-League and ISL. ISL is very, very professional. ISL has helped Indian players improve their footballing skills. We get to train with foreign players who have played in the big leagues. That is also a huge difference," Ranawade explained.

A self-confessed fan of Spanish club Barcelona and their former manager Pep Guardiola, Ranawade is happy to work with another Spanish coach, Lobera at MCFC.

"I used to watch Guardiola's Barcelona… the way they played. But I never thought I would get to play under a Spanish coach with a similar philosophy. It was a dream to play for Mumbai and on top of it winning the trophy. I never thought I would win the trophy in my first season. It was a dream come true for me," he signed off.