Manisha Kalyan signs for Apollon Ladies; set to become first Indian to play in the Champions League

India women football star, Manisha Kalyan is set to create history by becoming the first player from the country to to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League after signing a two-year deal with Cyprus champions, Apollon Ladies.

Kalyan's former club, Gokulam Kerala FC confirmed the development on social networking site, Twitter by thanking the star for her services to the club.

"Thank you, Manisha! After 3 illustrious years as a Malabarian and winning two IWL titles with us, Manisha has signed a two-year deal with Cypriot Champion Club Apollon Ladies. She is all set to become the first Indian to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League this season,” the club posted on Twitter.

Apollon will be playing in round 1 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying on 18 August. If they win, they will face the winners of Switzerland’s FC Zurich and Faroe Island’s Klaksvik Kvinnur.

Kalyan has emerged as one of the most promising players and has been touted as the next superstar to come from the country, with the striker/attacking midfielder spending three successful years with the Kerala-based outfit, winning two Indian Women's League titles with them.

Last season, she was in immaculate form after contributing 14 goals in 11 appearances for the club, which earned her the Player of the Tournament award.

The 20-year-old will follow in the footsteps of Bala Devi, Aditi Chauhan and Dangmei Grace among others to play for a foreign club.