Key Atlético de Kolkata midfielder Borja Fernández featured in Eibar’s encounter against FC Barcelona at the Ipurua Stadium on March 14.

Borja signed a six-month contract with the Spanish La Liga side. Despite his best efforts, the Basque side could not prevent a 2-0 loss at the hands of league leaders Barcelona. Lionel Messi scored a brace as Eibar slumped to a home defeat, but Eibar’s No.12 is happy at his return to the La Liga.

“I enjoyed my time in Kolkata immensely. But after the ISL, I was missing football and that's why, when an offer from Eibar came, I grabbed it with both hands. It's difficult to explain in words how I feel playing against the world's best players,” said Borja, who won the ISL trophy with Kolkata last year. Alongside Elano Blumer and Stiven Mendoza, he is among the ISL stars playing in a top league elsewhere in the world.

“All my teammates (at Eibar) keep asking me about the ISL. The league has generated much curiosity in Spain, both among players and officials,” said Borja, hinting at a possibility of more top-flight players from Spain coming to the ISL. “Players from other clubs have also asked me about India and the ISL,” he revealed. The ISL being a part of his future plans itself.

Borja shared a sentiment similar to that of FC Goa coach Zico; that India can be the next miracle in the game. “Anything is possible, but it is a long road. India needs to keep a roadmap ready and must seek advice from the Spaniards, Germans, English and South Americans on a regular basis to develop their football.

“It's like, if, in Spain, we want to learn cricket, who will we seek advice from but India,“ said the Atlético de Kolkata star.