For Brazilian great lucio, the intensity and frequency of matches In the Indian Super league is amazing. He tells KARTHIK RAMAN that in order to survive, in this quick format, adaptability is crucial. He also talks about how he regrets not having played with lionel Messi, how conditions in India are similar to Brazil and how he hankers for one Indian delicacy
How different is this move from European and South American leagues to IndiaIJ
It's a different experience for sure. The leagues in Europe and South America are of a higher level as per my opinion but here the intensity of the games and playing frequency is much more. And the ISl is more of a quick format so obviously you have to condition and program yourself differently. And it didn't take long for me to settle in here because we have a good group of guys here. We interact well with each other and certainly having some Brazilians in the team also makes it that much faster.
How much do you enjoy playing in IndiaIJ
I have really enjoyed the experience of playing in India so far. last year, when I came here I was received very well and the people of Goa showed us a lot of love and support. So when the opportunity was given to come back here, I decided to take it because I enjoyed my experience here in ISl 2.
What do you make about India in terms of food, climate, surroundings, etc.IJ
I enjoy the food here in India. Every state we travel to I make it a point to taste a bit of the cuisine of that state. And in terms of the climate it is almost similar to Brazil. The humidity is higher here but Goa is a beautiful state and the people are so warm and affectionate.
How disappointed were you to narrowly miss the chance to win the title against Chennaiyin FC in last year’s finalIJ
I think we had an excellent campaign last year and were unlucky to not win the trophy. I think there were a lot of positives for us to take from last year which we will look to improve/replicate upon this year. We have a squad that has a lot of potential this year and we will try our best.
What do you make about your squad this seasonIJ
We have retained a lot of the players from last year which is always a good thing. Additionally, we have added some young players to the squad like (Rafael) Dumas and Trindade (Goncalves) who are filled with talent and potential and are very exciting players. We also have Richarlyson (Felisbino) and Julio Cesar who are great players with a lot of experience which will come handy in the tournament.
What do you make about playing under the Brazilian ZicoIJ
It's a good feeling to play for him. He's a very good coach who the whole team holds in high regard and has the best possible manner in which he conducts himself and goes about his work. He really does unite the team at all levels and we are always motivated to play for him.
Can you please name the player who you have enjoyed playing the most and the one you regret never being able to play withIJ
Ronaldo (Brazilian) the phenomenon was someone who I enjoyed playing a lot with. He was someone who was a real great of the game. I also enjoyed playing with Maicon at Inter Milan. And in terms of someone who I've never played with but always wanted to, it would have to be (lionel) Messi.
What are your future targets and how long do you plan to continue playing footballIJ Any idea of returning to coaching with a major European/ South American club or countryIJ
I am taking things as they come. I have always been someone who is a keen trainer and I keep my body in shape in case an opportunity arises. In terms of how long I'm going to be playing, I don't have a definitive answer. It will depend on the opportunities that are in front of me. After playing, coaching is something I would definitely be interested in. Whether it be a manager or a technical director or otherwise remains to be seen but I'm certainly keen to stay on in football.
Where do you see Indian football going and what else still needs to be done for India to match the big boys in footballIJ
I think India has the potential to do well. They are a big country and there is room for football to grow as a sport within this country. But what it needs is sustained efforts from the people to go out there and provide a platform and opportunity to the kids to make use of their talent. It is not something that will happen overnight but there is a possibility, yes.