India and the Hero ISL are always in my heart: Raphael Augusto
Raphael Augusto enjoyed a six-year stint in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) with Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC. During this time, featured in 71 games and won two Hero ISL titles.
Raphael Augusto enjoyed a six-year stint in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) with Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC. During this time, featured in 71 games and won two Hero ISL titles.
The Brazilian was known to be one of the most elegant players during his time in the Hero ISL playing a crucial part of the Marina Machans setup and he was the most creative player for CFC during the 2016 Hero ISL.
Currently applying his trade with Dhaka Abahani, the midfielder caught up with the Hero ISL Media Team for an exclusive interview to talk about his time in the league, any future returns, and much more!
Here are some excerpts from the interview:
You were with the Hero ISL Champions, Chennaiyin FC, on both occasions in 2015 and 2018. How was the experience in both seasons?
It was an amazing experience for me, being a champion with all my teammates was perfect! I think I can say that both days were one of the most important days in all of my life.
Your first goal of the ISL was in Kolkata against ATK Mohun Bagan. Do you remember that goal? How was the atmosphere in the galleries?
Yes! Of course, I remember! A day to never forget! it was in 2015, the year we were champions, it was a movie where the defenders were wrong and the ball was left for me, I was face to face with the goalkeeper
In the 2017-18 Hero ISL final, you scored a goal in the final and became the champion again. Do you think it was the best ever match you played in the ISL?
I think people used to think that because of the goal in the final, of course, it was a very important goal, and this day is forever in my heart, but being 100% honest I believe I played even better in other games.
As the Hero ISL is more competitive and more developed nowadays, are you ready to grab any opportunity to get back to this league in near future?
I live day after day. At the Hero ISL, I lived great moments, but now I have a contract with Dhaka Abahani, I will finish the season with the club. when my contract ends, some opportunities could appear, with my family I will decide where it will be better.
Do you watch Hero ISL regularly, which team did you follow last season?
Yes! Of course! India and the Hero ISL are always in my heart, so I cannot live without watching the league. I think I watch almost all the games, including the games of my friend Eli Sabiá, we are very close friends.