Colombian striker John Stiven Mendoza joined the Chennaiyin FC squad in Goa on Friday and is available for his debut in the game against FC Goa on Wednesday.Mendoza became the second Colombian player to join Chennaiyin FC after defender Jairo Suarez, who was picked up from the international draft. The 22-year-old, who has represented Colombia in the U-17 World Cup and U-20 Copa America, sat down for a one-on-one interview through a translator.Why did you choose to come to the Hero Indian Super League?When I heard about the possibility I had no second thoughts because I felt it was a great opportunity to play in a new exciting league. I am the type of person who likes new challenges so I was delighted to be given a chance by Chennaiyin FC. The league has some of the biggest names of world football so I am sure it is going to be huge and the world will take notice.You are one of the rising stars of Colombian football but your country has many quality forwards like Falcao and Jackson Martinez so is it more difficult now to get into the national team?There is no doubt that we have a great national team now with quality players all over the pitch especially in attack. So yes it is very hard to be in the national side now. But I believe I have time on my side to work hard and improve. I am focused now on scoring plenty of goals and helping Chennaiyin FC win the Hero ISL. Hopefully with time I will eventually get into the national team.Elano is well known for providing assists for forwards so do you feel even more excited to have him as a teammate?We all know about Elano’s class and achievements. He has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world and has also represented Brazil in top competitions. It will be a privilege playing with him but I have to work very hard to form a good understanding with him.What has been your impression of the team, especially the Indian players?The team is loaded with plenty of experienced world class players like Elano, Materazzi, Silvestre and Mendy. There is so much to learn from those players. But even the Indians look talented. Before coming here I didn’t have much idea about Indian football but now after coming I have realised that many of them have the potential to play abroad as well.Being in India, you have to adjust to various aspects off the field. How are you planning to cope with it?After playing in Colombia all my life I knew that I needed to test myself in a foreign environment so it was always going to be difficult to adapt to the new culture, food and I also have to learn English quickly. It will take time but I am confident of settling in well and it helps that my compatriot Suarez is also at this franchise. However to be frank the entire squad has been very friendly to me so I am already enjoying my time here.
