Srecko Mitrovic: I never realised East Bengal was so big

Srecko Mitrovic enjoys an adventure.

It's that free spirit that took the Aussie midfielder to Italy as a junior with Ascoli, through to Romania with Politehnica Iasi and now as a trailblazer in India's I-League with East Bengal.

Mitrovic signed with the Indian giants in October after a short spell back in Australia and is already establishing himself as a fans' favourite for one of the most popular clubs in Asian football.

"The move came through an agent," Mitrovic told tribalfootball.com. "I've signed for one-year.

"East Bengal is a massive club, the biggest in India. I never thought that something like this existed in India.

"A month ago we had the 'derby of India' and the crowd was over 100,000 people at the Salt Lake stadium, which is the biggest stadium in Asia."

Part of Mitrovic's role at East Bengal is to create goal scoring chances for Indian football's biggest name, Bhaichung Bhutia. Bhutia stands alongside the nation's big cricket names as a sporting icon in India and after only a matter of weeks, Mitrovic admits he now understands the iconic status of his new teammate.

Indeed, Bhutia has helped Mitrovic settle into his new surrounds and the pair have already struck up a friendship.

"I honestly had never heard of Bhutia before coming here," laughed Mitrovic. "But now I see what a star really is! He is one of the most famous people in India.

"He is like an icon in this country.

"He has also helped me alot to adjust to the lifestyle here - and he is also my neighbour!"

Mitrovic adds: "The lifestyle is not easy. It's an interesting way of living and I do spend a lot of time at home. The food was also a problem for me until I was able to move into my own apartment."

Bhutia's dedication to the game and his popstar status has drawn comparison with David Beckham and Mitrovic adds: "He is a great striker and a very professional player. Very dedicated to his craft."

East Bengal is a daily talking point for the local media and Mitrovic says the coverage would put many major European clubs to shame.

"The media in this city is very big," says Mitrovic. "I was really surprised when I first saw at every training session around 20 journalists following the team."

Mitrovic is under no illusions about the expectations of the massive East Bengal support. The midfielder arrived just days after a coaching sacking, which saw the popular Philippe de Ridder reinstalled by the club's powerbrokers.

"I came here four games into the season. The team wasn't going too well, but we have a good side, also full of national team players. Since the new coach came in, we definitely are going for the title.

"The level here is not bad, there is maybe a bit more running than I'm used to! There are a few foreigners in every team which does raise the level."

India's Football Association have been developing ties with big European clubs, including AC Milan and Bayern Munich, in recent years and Mitrovic says he can see a willingness to learn in locals connected to the sport.

"Europe is very professional and a better standard, but here people are willing to learn and improve. I've seen this happening ever since I arrived."

On his one-year deal, Mitrovic admits he still has ambitions of playing again in Europe and would even consider one of the big East Asian competitions.

"My goal for this season is to get back to full fitness and try and do as well as possible for East Bengal," he said.

"After having a lot of problems last year, I want to get myself into top shape. Then hopefully I can maybe get a move back to Europe or somewhere like China or South Korea."

For now, though, it's all about East Bengal for Mitrovic and delivering a championship to their massive supporter base.