“I have to work hard. I have to improve. So that everyone in Bangladesh knows who I am. Every footballer has this target. Same goes for me,” Rubel told Dhaka Tribune before training on Thursday.“I need more guidance in order to become a more complete player. If I receive more coaching, I can only get better. The coaches are particularly working on my finishing. What to do, what not to do in front of goal. I'm trying to be more decisive,” he said. His journey towards stardom began in 2009 in the Citycell School League. After scoring a whopping 14 goals in four matches for Gobindaganj Bohumukhi Uchcho Biddalay, Gaibandha, he came into the limelight. However, despite being called up to the Bangladesh U-17 side, thanks in no small part to his exploits in school football, he was having second thoughts. “Initially I did not want to come. I thought my little build (5' 4” now) will hold me back. On top of that, I did not want to live alone. Then Razzak sir from our school brought me here. He was the one who convinced me to come. However, he passed away recently,” said Rubel, his face a picture of disappointment. Razzak sir is not the only closed one of Rubel who doesn't belong in his life anymore.
Also read: Abahani youngsters Saad, Rubel show the way
“My father left this world when I was four. I miss him. I feel bad that he passed away when I was so young. No doubt he would have been happy with me now,” a tearful Rubel added before quickly recovering his composure. “I always wanted to be a footballer. And my family really helped me. Whenever I needed anything, they provided. They really supported me all these years. I believe I am where I am because of them,” said Rubel, alluding to his mother, two brothers and a sister. Rubel usually plays as a forward, and sometimes as a winger, in accordance with the team's requirements. He says he models himself after Bangladesh winger Zahid Hossain and Brazilian striker Neymar. “My strong fortes are speed and shooting. I have some skills as well,” said a visibly excited Rubel. Following impressive seasons at Brothers Union, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Limited and Chittagong Abahani Limited, Rubel finally got his desired move to Dhaka Abahani Limited, for whom he scored a mesmerising goal from the halfway line earlier this year in the AFC Cup. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BfuAkGG5ng “Everyone dreams of playing for a big side like Abahani. Since I'm here, I want to improve more. I have to work hard. I have to play well. I want to think that I still have a long way to go in my club career,” he said. Although one of the Abahani coaches, Amalesh Sen says Rubel has a tremendous work ethic, Rubel admits he wasn't always like this. “One can never be successful without hard work. They can never rise to the top. I am an exception in that previously I rarely worked hard. My talent shone through. But now that I'm playing top-flight football, I don't want to leave anything to chance. I will work hard to ensure I do justice to my talent.”
