While the season is almost upon us and the players are straining every muscle to hit that perfect pitch, we caught up with them while they took a breather. Different players have different ways of keeping a relaxed body and mind before a game -- some listen to music, some watch a movie and some dial up a loved one. Today, with exactly a week to go before the team kicks off, seven players named their favourite movie ever. Check it out:

Lalit Thapa: When you see this stout goalkeeper between the sticks, sending down a menacing stare at the opposition, you would hardly believe that he has a soft spot! Lalit’s favourite movie is the Richard Gere-starrer Hachi: A Dog’s Tale.

Pratik Shinde: The youngest Indian ever to be offered a contract with a foreign club, Pratik Shinde is almost always sporting a smile! Maybe, that’s why his favourite genre is comedy and his favourite movie is We’re the Millers.

Joaquim Abranches: The strong and pacy centre forward has fed on goals for as long as he can remember. When you have such an appetite for goals, it is not a surprise if your favourite movies are the Goal! trilogy on the famous football character Santiago Muñez.

Davide Colomba: Coach Franco Colomba’s son is a midfielder and a warrior on the football pitch. In true Roman style, his favourite movie is The Gladiator!

Arindam Bhattacharya: His unfazed figure stands solid at the goalmouth as the opposing team fires in volleys after volleys. A goalkeeper needs amazing concentration and physical tenacity to beat the odds and Arindam gets inspired by the Rocky series!

Ashutosh Mehta: The midfielder recovered from a serious knee injury to perform for his team last year and it is this spirit to defy all odds that characterises him. His legs seem to barely tire in a high-intensity game and aptly, his favourite movie is Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.

Israil Gurung: He is fast, lightweight and quick to spot a goal-scoring opportunity. The ‘German Shepherd’ of the team, Israil has a nose for goals and his movie tastes match with the strikers he regularly assists. Like Joaquim Abranches, Israil too loves the Goal! series.