Hero Indian Super League’s (Hero ISL) inaugural shield winners FC Goa bolstered their midfield with the addition of Spaniard Alberto Noguera ahead of the upcoming 2020-21 season. While in conversation with goal.com in an interview, Noguera spoke highly of the Hero ISL and mentioned how he hopes to use the opportunity of playing in the league to keep improving as a player.

“It's a great honour for me to play in the Hero ISL and a great opportunity for me to keep improving. I know it's a short league but if we have a good pre-season, that will be the secret for our season… I will try to train hard and be fit to play all the matches as soon as possible. I will take a direct approach and score as many goals as I can. I will try my best like all players,” the Spanish midfielder shared.

Noguera has featured at various levels across Spanish football and the 30-year-old midfielder believes that him playing in the Hero ISL will be an ‘upgrade’ in his career. “They are different leagues (Hero ISL and Spanish Segunda Division). The Spanish leagues are different but for me, going to Goa is an upgrade, I think, to improve my career. I hope to have a good experience and contribute to improving the league and my team,” Noguera said.

Having previously only played in Europe, the Hero ISL presents a new challenge for the Spaniard. “I always wanted to travel to new quarters and going to India is a good opportunity for me. I haven’t watched any matches, but I watched some short videos and I think the level of football is good and the league looks like it’s improving,” he explained.

The Gaurs have a strong Spanish presence in their foreign contingent, having signed the likes of Igor Angulo, Jorge Ortiz and Ivan Gonzalez as well. Noguera believes that the addition of such quality players will help Goa compete in the AFC Champions League. “We have a lot of Spanish players and I think it will make it easier for us to play together and as a team. We are prepared to compete in the AFC Champions League. We just need to start training together and it will be good for us.”