Alaaeddine Ajaraie interview: NorthEast's ISL record-breaker sends Samte message to India head coach, lauds Chhetri

Alaaeddine Ajaraie has simply romped to countless goals and is already one of the best signings in the league’s not-so old history.

Updated on: Feb 23, 2025, 08:33:50 IST

By Neelav Chakravarti

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Over the years, the Indian Super League has seen some great strikers grace the field and entertain fans. From Dimitar Berbatov to David Trezeguet, fans have seen some legendary players take centre stage in India. The ongoing ISL season hasn’t been any different, but the attacker who has gone to script historic success doesn’t come from the group of Diego Forlan or any of the above mentioned players. NorthEast United showcased their business acumen with the signing of Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie, and the 32-year-old has destroyed opposition defenders with ease.

Alaaeddine Ajaraie in action for NorthEast United.

Little was known about him before his arrival to India, but the forward has simply romped to countless goals and is already one of the best signings in the league’s not-so old history. According to reports, NorthEast signed Ajaraie on a one-plus-one-year contract, with additional bonuses for 12-14 goals and assists a season. But he has simply proved that he is worth much more and is already ISL’s highest-scorer with most goals in a single season. He already has 20 goals, breaking the joint-record (20 goals) of Ferran Corominas (2017-18) and Bartholomew Ogbeche (2021-22).

Also Read: Sunil Chhetri interview: Early identification of good players crucial for Indian football

He also has five assists, once again showing that he is the perfect striker for the Indian Super League. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Ajaraie opened up on his debut season in India, and also had special praise for young NorthEast defender Buanthanglun Samte. He also hailed Morocco's success in Qatar at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Here are the excerpts-

Preparation for debut season in India

I am surrounded by great teammates and coaching staff. We always strive to improve each day, we work hard for it and when you put in the effort, and trust the process, the results follow

Should Buanthanglun Samte receive much-awaited India call-up?

Samte is an outstanding good player with a great left foot. The way we play, he always finds himself in attacking areas to put in crosses and create chances. If he keeps working hard and performing, he can play for the national team.

Sunil Chhetri

In my opinion, Sunil Chhetri is the best Indian striker. He is performing at the highest level and it is incredible. What touched me the most was how humble he is. When I asked for his jersey, he instantly gave it to me. I truly admire humble players like Chhetri

From a scale of 1 to 10, how competitive is Indian football?

I would rate the competitiveness of Indian football an eight out of 10. It’s much more competitive than other countries.

NorthEast United dressing room atmosphere

The atmosphere in the dressing room is fantastic. Our strength is our unity. The team is a tight group, focused on our objectives and working hard every day to achieve those targets.

Aspirations for Morocco national team

Of course, it’s always difficult and a matter of pride to represent your country. I agree that it is difficult to break into the Moroccan national team with many players playing in Europe but I am happy that I am playing well and people respect me.

Morocco’s 2022 FIFA World Cup success

Of course, I know many players who played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Their experience of the World Cup was fantastic, but it wasn’t just players, Morocco as a country as well has good memories of the World Cup.

Target for rest of the season

Our primary goal is to reach the playoffs. It’s not just me, the entire team is working hard to reach our target.

Message to fans

I have received so much love and respect from our fans from different states of Northeast India, it is humbling. I see kids doing Luffy celebration in the fields and it gives me immense joy. I only ask our fans to keep supporting the team and shower us with all the love and respect.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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