In October 2014, the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) was born with an aim to revolutionise the Indian footballing scene by providing fans with world-class entertainment and top of the line football. The first season featured superstars of the game like Alessandro Del Piero, Robert Pirès, Luis Garcia and Elano Blumer. This year is no different with Portuguese bigwig Simão Sabrosa who will play for NorthEast United FC in the second edition of the ISL.

The attacking midfielder, who is renowned for his dribbling and dead ball ability, is looking forward to this new challenge in his footballing career. “I'm super excited to start pre-season, to get to know my teammates and all the people at the club. Really looking forward to it! I will share all my experience, demonstrate what I have learned, and pass on my knowledge on a professional level,” he promised.

The Portuguese international, who has plied his trade for European giants Barcelona, Benfica and Atlético Madrid, holds the ISL in high regard and has outlined his objectives for the campaign as well. “Everyone I have spoken to has good things to say about the Hero ISL – from players who were there to the press worldwide. They all say it is very well organised and will get better with each year. I want to be a major player at the club and help the team win the championship.”

Simão was a part of Atlético Madrid’s UEFA Europa League-winning team in 2010 and has several other accolades to his name. “I enjoyed the most success while playing for Atlético Madrid and Benfica. Playing alongside so many legends was a wonderful and unforgettable feeling and I learned from all of them,” he said.

A player like Simão needs no introduction and there is no doubt that he will draw crowds to the stadiums, so how important is the fan support to this elusive winger? “Fans are very important; their support gives us a lot of strength and a lot of confidence. I hope I can count on them to support our team,” he averred.

In a time where versatility is a rarity, Simão has the attributes to play anywhere across the attacking midfield position. A player who has played on the left wing for the majority of his career, it may come as a surprise to most that he feels happiest when in the free role. “I prefer to play the attacking midfielder, the so-called number 10,” he stated.

The mercurial winger brings with him a bag full of experience and is guaranteed to light up the ISL with his chicanery. Don’t forget to watch out for Simão as NorthEast United FC play their first match of the season away from home when they take on Kerala Blasters FC on October 6.