“It’s important to play like a team. If you play like a team, of course the strikers and the attacking players score a lot of goals.”NorthEast United FC are looking forward to the upcoming 2015 season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) on the back of these words from their brand new marquee player – Simão Sabrosa. The Portuguese winger is widely remembered for his brilliant performances for the national team in Euro 2004 where they finished runners-up.Standing at 5’7”, Simão began his youth career at the Sporting CP Academy and later on also played for the senior team. However, Simão’s skills wouldn’t be limited to the Portuguese circuit. He has scored goals in top-flight leagues of three different countries and has carved an honourable reputation for himself. His gallery of honours boasts at least one premier title while playing for these clubs: Primeira Liga 2004-’05 for Benfica, UEFA Europa League 2009-’10 for Atlético Madrid and then, the Türkiye Kupası 2010-’11 for Beşiktaş. His ‘Mediterranean’ stint has helped him amass about 90 goals in both the Spanish and Portuguese premier leagues."It’s important to play like a team."Simão SabrosaBest known for his curling kicks and penalty-taking skills, Simão has an impeccable record for the Portugal national team. With 22 goals from 85 appearances, this midfielder has donned the national colours at several world-class tournaments, namely Euro (2004, 2008) and the FIFA World Cup (2006, 2010).NorthEast United FC co-owner John Abraham was thrilled to welcome Simão to Assam, likening his emotion to that of “a child in a candy store”. Simão joined the team in Durban, South Africa for the ongoing pre-season training; he also put one on the board for the Highlanders in their pre-season friendly rout of South African club AmaZulu.With the World Cupper on their side, the Guwahati-based ISL club look to improve on their 2014 performance. They kick off their campaign at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi against Kerala Blasters FC on October 6th.
