Ismail Zaan Amir is one of the most exciting talents in Maldives. Zaan shined early on from a young and was always one of the best during interschool football tournaments. Zaan started his European adventure in Manchester  before coming back to Maldives and spending time with club Valencia under 21. Currently Zaan is Valencia playing for Levante.

Boalha.mv spoke with Zaan.

Boalha.mv: What league and city is your club from ?

Zaan: The senior team of levante is going to play in la liga next season. This team is from Valencia.

Boalha.mv: Which age group do you play for ?

Zaan: I play for under 19 squad. They have 3 youth teams juvenile A, B and C.

Boalha.mv: When is the season ?

Zaan: September to May is the season and we have 2 tournaments Mediterranean international tournament and NG tournament which is a local tournament in Valencia.

Boalha.mv: What is your plan for the future ?

Zaan: two years spent in Manchester and hoping to go pro but couldn’t due to visa and all so moved to Spain. Before I turn 19 I still have 3 more years so I want to make it to la liga or play in Spanish second division. Most important thing is   pushing myself to do better every day and focusing on what I do. That’s having a good diet, gym, recovery session and 2 hours in the football field every day.

Boalha.mv: How about schooling?

Zaan: I’m in 11^th grade and I’m doing sports, entertainment marketing, international business, English, Spanish, mathematics and history.

Boalha.mv: How is a normal day in your life from waking up till sleeping?

Zaan: around 6am I wake up every day and after Morning Prayer I have breakfast only oats. 7:20 to 8:20 I’m at the gym doing upper body. At 9 I leave to train with levante. 10:30 to 12:30 we train and have lunch at 2. Rest for 45 minutes and study from 4 to 6. At night I go to gym again and have dinner after gym. I go to the pool around 9:30 and 10 its lights off.

Boalha.mv: Do you have message for Maldivian kids who want to play pro ?

Zaan: Always remember that you are Maldivian where ever you go and never give up on your dreams only loser give up. Healthy diet, sleep, hard work, and most importantly religion is the key to success. Doing work in that moment in time is very important don’t delay anything. Even if you don’t go pro study well and get good grades you can become a coach or sports doctor and be involved in sports. If you fail once get back up stronger and try even harder.

Boalha.mv wishes Zaan the very best in his career ahead.