Kerala Blasters FC have secured the services of dynamic forward Noah Sadaoui on a two-year deal, underscoring their intent to build a formidable squad for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.

The Moroccan has immediately joined the squad in Thailand for pre-season training under the guidance of new head coach Michael Stahre.

Since his ISL debut with FC Goa in the 2022–23 season, the fleet-footed footballer has scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists over two years with the Gaurs. Sadaoui has proven his effectiveness in both scoring and creating goals, contributing almost equally in both areas.

The Blasters have bid farewell to their Greek talisman Dimitrios Diamantakos, who won the 'Golden Boot' award last season. However, with the acquisition of Sadaoui up front, Kerala Blasters FC look to fill that gap and establish a strong offensive partnership with their Uruguayan playmaker Adrian Luna.

Sadaoui expressed his excitement about joining the Blasters and was touched by the supporters' affection throughout his transfer saga. He is grateful for the warm welcome he has received from the fans.

"It's been an exciting journey since I've signed for Kerala Blasters FC. You know, with the amazing fans, they always messaged me and wanted to know if I was coming or not. So, for me, it's a warm welcome; it makes me feel good as a player and want to do well for the club," Sadaoui said in a recent interview with KBFC TV.

Having played in the ISL for the past two years, Sadaoui has experienced the captivating atmosphere at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, created by the Blasters’ ever-enthusiastic supporters during matches. The forward emphasized their unconditional support as a key factor in his decision to join the club and is already excited about playing in front of such a passionate crowd.

"Yeah, to be honest, the one thing that made me pick Kerala Blasters FC was how much interest they had in me. You can feel the genuine feeling that they wanted me to be a part of the club and obviously the supporters,” he stated.

“For me personally, it is the best stadium to play in. It's always full, as is the atmosphere. Even when I played against Kerala, it was unbelievable. I always liked to play against them. So it's been a great journey so far," he added.

The 30-year-old has already set his sights on winning the first silverware for Kerala Blasters FC. He believes that collective performance is crucial to achieving such a significant feat with the club.

"For sure, I feel I have enough experience in the ISL and also in football in general. I'm willing to help the young guys and all my teammates; you know, we're all under one name, Kerala Blasters FC. And we're going to try to do our best to win trophies and make history in the club," he remarked.

"I'm very motivated to help the team reach their goals. For me personally, it's important for me to have good feelings with everyone at the club, whether it's my teammates, my coaches, or the supporters. And yeah, that will be for the off-the-field, building a relationship with everybody, and that can take you a long way," he further added.

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Sadaoui highlighted that his previous experience in the league would be crucial in delivering his best performance for the Blasters.

Speaking in this context, he shared, "For sure, it helps. You know, playing in the ISL is a whole other league. With the weather, with the different tactics, and with the players that you're playing with, this is completely different. But I feel that I played here for two years. I know the teams, I know the players, and I know how to play against certain players, how to play against certain teams. So for sure, it is an advantage for me.”

The versatile forward discussed the enthusiasm and support that the Blasters' fans demonstrate with every pass and dribble, which ultimately motivates the players to perform better. Sadaoui aims to showcase his abilities and relish these moments in the upcoming season.

“I'm very excited because of the type of player I am. Obviously, I like to go one against one, I remember when playing against Kerala Blasters FC, when a player dribbles someone, the fans go crazy, and that motivates you to play well and it gives you even extra confidence,” Sadaoui commented.

He expressed his eagerness to play alongside such a great group of players and is thoroughly enjoying his time with the Blasters.

“I'm excited to play with all my teammates. Last Friday was my first day with them. so I'm obviously very excited. I knew Aiban (Dohling), so it makes it easier for me to integrate into the group,” he said.

Sadaoui also expressed his delight in sharing the pitch with the Kerala Blasters FC captain, Adrian Luna, stating: “For sure, Luna is an amazing player. I love the way he plays, and I'm happy to be on the same team with him and working together.”

The Moroccan forward appeared convinced and determined to inspire his team to peak performance, urging his teammates to give their best in every tournament they participate in.

“The key factor for us is basically sticking together. We need to have (the) hunger to win every single trophy, whether it's the Durand Cup or the Super Cup. That's the mentality that I feel that Kerala Blasters FC need to achieve greater things,” he asserted.

“We cannot take any Cup lightly because we have to build that mentality that we are a winning team for anything that comes, whether friendly or whatever it is. And if we go with that mentality, I personally think that we will achieve things together,” he signed off.

Watch the full interview here: