Spanish defender Ivan Gonzalez is looking forward to playing under FC Goa head coach Juan Ferrando in the upcoming Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) season. Gonzalez joined the Gaurs ahead of Hero ISL 2020-21 in what will be his first footballing stint outside Spain and the 30-year-old believes that FC Goa is currently the perfect club for his career especially since he shares a similar outlook on the game with coach Ferrando.

“I always wanted to play outside my country and it is perfect for me. FC Goa are a very important team in Asia right now. So, it was a great opportunity and I feel I made the best decision I possibly could. I like the FC Goa style and I like the way that Juan Ferrando wants to play. We look at football in the same way and it was easy for me to say yes to the new challenge,” said the defender.

“I spoke to Juan (Ferrando) about the challenges and we both love them. We are looking forward to it. We both want to give our best for FC Goa and believe that we will be successful. That’s the underlying feeling. Nothing more was necessary,” he added.

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With FC Goa challenging for the AFC Champions League trophy as well, having qualified for the group stage of the continental competition, Gonzalez urged his teammates to work hard to achieve their targets. “We have to be ready for the season and for the AFC Champions League. Regarding the standards, this is all going to come down to effort, work ethic and being tough on yourself and others. If we prepare and work hard in each training session, we will be closer to meeting the team’s goals,” he said.

Although FC Goa have had formidable seasons in the past, the coveted Hero ISL trophy has always eluded them. Ahead of Hero ISL 2020-21, they have roped in a number of experienced foreigners, who will look to impart their knowledge to the new young talents at the club such as Phrangki Buam and Devendra Murgaonkar.

“I’m sure that the people who work for the club have made the right decisions. The Indian players are still largely the same and the foreigners who have come in are at the peak of their careers and have shown over the years what they are all about. We will be ready for everything. I know all my Spanish teammates and they are really good. They have a lot of experience in football and it’s very good for the team and Indian players,” he shared.