Kerala's beloved Humettan moved on to greener pastures but at the age of 34, a real challenge confronts Iain Hume in the Indian Super League this season.

The Canadian signed for FC Pune City after two-year long stint with Kerala Blasters which came to an end in a rather unceremoniously manner. A knock on the knee he suffered in February was just an insult to injury.

But Hume, ISL's all time top-scorer with 28 goals in 59 appearances, is confident that he'll be a useful resource for last season's semi-finalists.

"Passion and love for football pushes me to work hard and earn my place in the team. I don't think I know of anything better to do than play and score as of now. I believe age is just a number when it comes to sports. Maintaining and working on my fitness and strength during off season helps me perform well when I am on the field," Hume, who is likely to miss the start of the season, told Mail Today.

The Canadian has suffered many injuries in his career, including a life-threatening injury he sustained playing for Barnsley against Sheffield United in 2008 that left 18-inch scar curves on his skull. Interestingly, Hume referred to his current knee injury as the most difficult period.

"For me, this injury is the most difficult one I have experienced till date in my career. Frankly I haven't fixed a timeline on the recovery but with the club's help I am working hard and being patient in this process. I need to make sure this time there is no setback. The club is leaving no stone unturned as far as my recovery goes," he said.

Having started his career at Tranmere Rovers, moving to former Premier League champions Leicester City in 2005, Hume chose the ISL entering a crucial age in his sporting life. He joined the Blasters in 2014 and has been associated to Indian football ever since.

The fans and exciting ever-improving football in the country has been the biggest motivation to stay here, said Hume.

"Indian football is at a developing stage, the footballers are improving rapidly and the young players are very promising. Indian Super League is a milestone for Indian Football and being a part of this league with such passionate fans across the country makes me come back here," he said.

At FC Pune City, Hume finds stiff competition from foreign entities Marcelinho and Emiliano Alfaro. The duo were instrumental in guiding the side to a last four finish - their best result in the league so far - and will prove to be the lethal weapon for the Stallions.

"We have an impressive line-up in the front line and we will give our best on the field. Marcelinho, Diego and Alfaro had a fantastic season last time and helped FC Pune City to create history. If I can't start because they are scoring goals and helping the team's cause, I will be happy to be on bench," he said of his teammates.