For Arsh Anwer Shaikh, joining Kerala Blasters FC is nothing but a dream come true. Shaikh is all set to represent the Blasters, whom he has been admiring since he was 12.

The young, promising goalkeeper committed his future to KBFC after signing a three-year contract with the club. Coming through the youth ranks of ATK FC, Shaikh played for Mohun Bagan Super Giant and has been part of their League Shield and Cup-winning squads in the last three seasons.

Despite not featuring regularly in the Mariners' starting lineup, Shaikh's potential caught eyes in short course. His brilliant shot-stopping skills, agile footwork and composed attitude opened his door to the Blasters.

"I think the history of the club and the fans they have are so amazing. For so long, I've seen them ever since I was like 12 years old. I saw the ISL for the first time, and ever since then, I think they have supported the team constantly. So whether they lose, whether they win, or whether they draw So I think it was a no-brainer for me" the goalkeeper said on KBFC TVabout joining the Yellow Army.

"Honestly, when the offer came, because I've always liked Kerala Blasters FC as a fan when I was not a football player, it was a great moment for me to sign. Honestly, I wanted to go somewhere else. So I had a few other offers as well, but I think for me personally, when the call came and they told me about the plan, I was really interested in it, and I really felt that this is the place where I can build my career to a new level and to new heights. So for me, honestly, it was a no-brainer, and I'm really happy to be here," he added.

Shaikh wants nothing but to just hit the ground running since the very first training sessions to secure his spot in the playing eleven. He has set his sights on harmonizing with his new teammates and adapting to the new surroundings.

"For me, what I try to do is do my best in every single training session that I can, and if I have to wait for my chances, then I'm used to it as well because I have waited for my chances for a long time. But my goal here is clear," he revealed.

"Just right now is to integrate into the team really well and try to get as many chances as possible to do really well in the training sessions and hopefully to build a team and to just be a part of a team that wins games and wins championships and wins trophies. So if that means that I don't play and we still win the championship, I'll still be as happy as I have been for the last three to four years. But my main goal here is to try to get into that starting lineup and really help the team with as much effort," he carried on.

KBFC struggled with their last man of defense all throughout the 2024-25 season. With Sachin Suresh, Nora Fernandes, Som Kumar, and Kamaljit Singh, the Blasters lacked consistency in the goalkeeping position, resulting in an underperforming campaign.

However, Sheikh's signing offers a fresh ray of hope, as KBFC look to build a sustainable core ahead of the forthcoming season.

The young goalkeeper remains focused on integrating into the Blasters' squad and utilizing his opportunities with standout performances.

"I think both a challenge and a launchpad because, me personally, right now, I just want to integrate into the team really well, and from there on, do really well in the training sessions and hopefully come into the first team. So that's the challenge for me, and of course winning trophies is the challenge," he remarked.

Shaikh is optimistic about ending KBFC's trophy drought and enjoying game time under his belt. He believed playing under pressure won't be a problem for him given his earlier stint in Kolkata; rather, he wants to achieve both individual and collective success with the Blasters.

"Honestly, both. Of course I want to play games. That's why I'm here. I want to be in the starting 11 every game—that's my challenge here. So, and of course, as you said, I've played in moments where there has been a lot of pressure, so for me it's nothing new. Honestly, I'm used to it, and I know how the pressure here is to play," he said.

"Of course, I know how the team is, how young the squad is, and how they're developing. So honestly, for me, I think for sure I'm here to compete and take off the jersey, so hopefully everything goes well," he continued.

Shaikh acknowledged that the Blasters' loyal fanbase had a pivotal role, inspiring him to join the club. Since the very first season in the ISL, KBFC have come close to winning the ISL Cup a few times, but the silverware has remained elusive. However, their 12th man has always stood behind the team, supporting the Blasters through thick and thin and turning Kochi into a fortress with their sensational impact from the stands.

"I think the main attraction that brought me to this club was the fans because we all know the Blasters fan base is, for me, I feel like it is the fan base that is the most deserving of a trophy right now," he said.

"So, and me personally, I have won three ISL Cups and two ISL Shields, but personally I didn't play a lot of games at that time. So I want to win a championship here as well, but I want to do that by playing more games and helping my team on the pitch. That's my goal," the custodian further added.

Shaikh urges the Blasters' faithful to keep believing in the team and showering their faith on the players, saying:

"Just keep supporting us like the way you have done for the past 12 years."

"Without you we are nothing, and I just hope every single game we can fill in the stands as much as possible, and every single game we need your support, and without your support we are absolutely nothing," he signed off.