He is as much a believer as a doer. Godwin Franco’s performance in the midfield last year did not go unnoticed. His move from Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2014 runners-up Kerala Blasters FC to rival club Chennaiyin FC shows that this man has some poise.Before the Chennaiyin squad left for their pre-season training in Perugia (Italy), the ISL got in touch with Godwin Franco. “I have been in such a situation before. As a professional, you need to focus on your job and get things done – can’t get too emotional...” he said when asked about his move to Chennai for the upcoming season. Ask him about his new legendary teammates and he is all praises, “It’s going to be a great experience sharing the same dressing room with greats like Materazzi, Elano, Mendy and others. These guys have seen it all and they are going to have a great influence on Indian footballers.”He is himself a seasoned sportsperson on the Indian circuit. Speaking about his I-League career, he mentions that his time with Goa’s top-flight clubs (Churchill Brothers S.C., Sporting Clube de Goa, and Dempo S.C.) has helped him understand Goan football. “Unlike the Kolkata way, players in Goa stick to short passes and keep the ball in motion. It’s heavily influenced by the Portuguese style. The Bengal-style is a lot about long balls and is short of precision.”The Goan midfielder was a part of the Dempo squad when they won the I-League in the 2011-12 season. “My style is about passing. Ball control is essential and so is having a controlling approach in the midfield. It’s usually a box-to-box game for me.” 77 good passes and 7 tackles in ISL 2014 stand as a testament to that fact.His plan for the upcoming ISL season is to get more goals, having nearly missed one last time. “I had kept it as a target for I-League, and achieved it. Now it’s time for ISL!”Finally, as a parting message to his fans and budding dribblers of the nation, he had something to say, “Believe in God, work hard – everything is possible. Now I want to represent my state, Goa, on the world stage with ISL as a medium. I’ve performed my duties in time, and it has gotten me here. Always look forward to the next challenge!”
