Ahead of the 2020-21 Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) season, FC Goa strengthened their attack with the addition of Spanish forward Igor Angulo, who believes that the Gaurs are the perfect club for his ambitions. While sharing his reasons for moving to Goa during an episode of Let’s Football Live with Anant Tyagi, the striker was of the opinion that much like him, FC Goa are a club that like to win.

“I have been very excited for the upcoming challenge from the moment Goa called me to join them. Goa is the answer for my ambitions because they are a club that wins. We are going to play the AFC Champions League. We will compete against possibly the best teams in Asia. For the club, and especially for the players it is going to be a good challenge,” Angulo said.

Prior to his move to India, the striker reached out to former FC Goa defender Carlos Pena and asked him about his experiences at the club. “It was easy to get to know about the club because they have a lot of Spanish players. I called (Carlos) Pena because I played with him in the Spanish U-21 national team. Everyone told me very good things about the football in India and especially about Goa. That’s why the decision to move to Goa was an easy one,” the Spaniard said.

Angulo also had a word with Goa’s head coach Juan Ferrando, who assured the striker of an integral role in the team. “I called Ferrando before signing for the club. He told me that I am going to be an important player in the team. We are going to play every competition to win them. The first impression was very good, and now I am eager to meet him as well as my teammates personally,” he said.  

Over the last three seasons, the Gaurs have been the highest scoring team in the Hero ISL, playing a distinct brand of attacking football. And despite Goa having a new head coach in Ferrando in Hero ISL 2020-21, Angulo believes that the club’s style of play will remain the same.

“There is not going to be many changes for the team because FC Goa have been playing a good style of football. They try to keep the ball and always want to attack even if they are losing. This year with Juan (Ferrando), I don’t think there will be too many changes. The style is clear, and the Goa fans love it, so I think we are going to continue playing this style,” Angulo explained.

After winning the 2019-20 Hero ISL League Winners’ Shield, the Gaurs qualified for the AFC Champions League and Angulo admitted that the opportunity to play in Asia’s premier continental competition made his decision to join the club ‘easier’.

“When I heard that FC Goa will be playing in the Asian Champions League, it made my decision easier. Like I said, I want to play against the best teams. It is a good challenge to assess our level of football. All of us are eager to start the competition, especially because it is the first time that an Indian club is playing in the Champions League. I think we are good enough to face this high-level competition,” he said.

The Spaniard also told fans what they can expect from him. “I like to play in the box and score goals, because it’s my job as a striker. I don’t like to come to the middle and take the ball or start the play, but I like to finish the actions. Last year, my numbers were very good, and I hope to continue the same form for FC Goa,” Angulo shared.