NorthEast United FC travel to the west to meet FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Sunday in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18. The Highlanders are rooted at ninth in the points table with chances of reaching their maiden playoffs looking extremely slim. To give their campaign some semblance under a new management, the visitors have signed a number of new players including Portuguese midfielder Helio Pinto. Ahead of the game against the Gaurs, the 33-year-old shared his thoughts with indiansuperleague.com about coming to India and settling in with a new team. Here are the excerpts.

In terms of your career, what made you choose India as your next destination?

I have already played in many places all over the world, but it is my first time in India. So, it was more for the experience and it seemed like a good project.

What would you like to say about your experience in the Hero ISL?

It has been good. The environment around the games is good, and I hope I can get more minutes and show a little bit more of myself in the coming games.

What are your thoughts on Hero ISL as a league?

As I said before, everything seems very good – the environment, the people. The stadiums have everything needed to make this a great league in a few years.

How easy was it to gel with your teammates on and off the pitch?

It has been good. We have a lot of guys who speak in Portuguese and Spanish, as well as English, so it has been very easy.

What do you like about NorthEast United FC the most?

The teammates, especially. They are all good and that maintains a good environment for the team.

Any thoughts on joining halfway through the season?

I came in the middle of December, but only started in the middle of January. But it is good to be here, and to know the teammates, and also to know a bit about the other teams as well.

How did you settle into the team?

In a good way. We changed the coach in the middle, which was another obstacle, but now I think it is a good way to start playing and helping the team.

Do you have any message for the fans?

Just keep supporting the team. We know supporting is not easy because nobody wins all the time, but when they are here for us, it is easier for us to give it our all and make them happy.