FC Goa midfielder Edu Bedia’s illustrious career over the years, under several different managers, and his ability to efficiently adapt himself to various playing styles has attained a unique cachet to his name at the club along with the Gaurs’ faithful.

The Spaniard, who will feature in his sixth consecutive Hero ISL season with FC Goa, has been their longest-serving foreign player, having been a part of their ambient highs and inexplicable lows. Over his time at FC Goa, he has set the hallmark in the league for not just loyalty and dedication at the club but also consistency, in addition to having a special place in his heart for the Goan club. 

“At the moment, FC Goa is not just another club in my career. I have something special with this club. It’s my sixth year here and I have seen a lot of things change, not just at the club but even in ISL from my first year in India,” Bedia told Sportskeeda.

FC Goa have been struggling to make their presence known in the league over the past two seasons, as the club has failed to reach the semi-finals after winning the inaugural League Winners’ Shield in the 2019-20 season. The inferior run was followed by a managerial change midway through last season - as head coach Juan Ferrando took ship at ATK Mohun Bagan - that rendered the club out of order, which saw them finish in the ninth position, failing to make it past the league stage. 

“Yes, the last two seasons have been difficult for us. Not just for FC Goa but all the other teams too because living inside the bubble was a crazy thing. Now we want to forget last season and improve. I think we have to put the past behind us and focus on the pre-season and then the ISL,” said Bedia.

With the return of former Gaur Carlos Pena at the club in a managerial role, the club has rejuvenated and aims to bring back the glory days with Pena’s attractive attacking style of play. The Spaniard has roped in three new Spanish players - Alvaro Vazquez, Iker Guarrotxena, and Marc Valiente - who blend in well with his philosophy, and Bedia has given a positive response on the signings.

“We have three new Spanish players and I know them very well because I played against them in Spain. They are all very good players, competitive and professional. It’s difficult but different. However, it’s normal in football. If you change the club, the playing style or the coach, you have to be smart. Now we have a long pre-season to work on that,” the midfielder added.

Having been with the club for several years, the Spaniard has gained his stature among the Gaurs’ faithful too and banks on their support, as the upcoming Hero ISL 2022-23 sees fans returning to the stands after a long wait of two years.

“This is the best news for us. Two years of playing in empty stadiums was crazy. We have a very young team and many players have never played in front of fans. Now all the opposition teams and players will be playing against our fans too. Of course, this will give FC Goa an added advantage. I think FC Goa and Kerala Blasters FC have the best fans and this is an advantage for us,” he concluded.