Bengaluru FC's club masseur Manu Prasad embarked on his journey with the Indian Super League (ISL) club in the 2017-18 season, and since then, there has been no turning back. 

At the start, his knowledge of football was minimal, and working as a masseur in a professional sports setup felt quite routine. However, everything changed when he had the opportunity to sit in the dugout during an ISL match. That experience changed his perspective on his profession.

“Watching my first ISL match from the dugout was exhilarating. The atmosphere was electric, and seeing the crowd that day deepened my love and passion for football and Bengaluru FC,” recalls Prasad.

Though he wasn’t a dedicated follower of football initially, Prasad’s journey to Bengaluru FC seemed destined. Hailing from Kottayam in Kerala, he pursued a diploma in Ayurveda. When he couldn’t secure a seat in his desired field for his further studies, his family and friends encouraged him to gain some work experience for a year before reapplying.

The main reason Manu left his hometown of Kerala to seek a job in New Delhi was to fulfil his wish of visiting the Taj Mahal. His first job in Delhi was assisting a doctor at a clinic, which helped him absorb knowledge about massage and physiotherapy. This doctor also helped him land a part-time role at Gurgaon-based Riders Club, where he worked with young athletes in badminton, cricket, and football.

As he considered changing his career path and moving abroad, a friend named Santosh, who worked as a massage therapist for ISL side Kerala Blasters FC, informed him that Bengaluru FC was looking for a club masseur. Destiny had other plans.

“The feeling of being with the team changed my plans of going abroad. Watching all the action from the sidelines was something I cannot express,” Prasad reflects.

Part of the family 

Having spent seven years at the club, Prasad has become a key figure. He works closely with other physiotherapists to ensure players receive top-notch massages, helping them feel energised and ready for action, whether pre or post-match.

“After a good massage session, players often feel as if they have a new body,” Prasad notes.

Throughout his tenure with the Blues, he has developed close relationships with several players, notably Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri, as well as Erik Paartalu and Dimas Delgado. Although Paartalu and Delgado have since retired, they remain legends of the club and keep in touch with Prasad.

“Paartalu and Delgado treated me like family. I never felt merely like a masseur around them. They would often invite me to hang out with them,” he shares. 

Chhetri often claims that "Prasad's hands are God-gifted and have magical powers," whenever he comes in for treatment.

Prasad has celebrated many trophy triumphs with the Blues and has witnessed challenging seasons as well. However, one of his most cherished memories has been with former striker Miku Fedor. During the 2018 Super Cup semi-final, Miku made a touching gesture by inviting Prasad to collect his Man of the Match award alongside him after netting a hat-trick against Mohun Bagan. 

At that time, Prasad was grappling with personal issues and felt hesitant about accepting the invitation. 

“I was caught off guard when he took my hand and pulled me to the stage. Emotionally, I was down, but that moment lifted my spirits and eventually improved my life,” he recalls. 

It was a tournament to remember, as Bengaluru FC went on to clinch the Super Cup, defeating East Bengal FC in the final.

A Blue through and through 

Over the years, Prasad has not only refined his skills as a masseur but has also forged a profound connection with the club. His passion for Bengaluru FC has extended to his family back in Kottayam too.

“Bengaluru FC feels like family to me. Everyone in my household, including my wife and children, supports Bengaluru FC. I never thought my life would take this turn and joining Bengaluru FC changed everything,” he reveals.

Prasad admits he used to cheer for Kerala Blasters FC during his time in New Delhi, but now finds himself in the thick of the fierce rivalry between his hometown club and Bengaluru FC. He still has friends who work for the Blasters and the rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement for him. Yet, it’s no secret where his true loyalties lie.

“It feels like I’m a Bengaluru local now after so many years. We have some of the most die-hard fans in Indian football. I quickly got integrated into the club and no longer feel like an outsider.”

Prasad's journey with Bengaluru FC proves how destiny can lead one to unexpected yet fulfilling paths.