Indian forward Robin Singh feels FC Goa coach Zico can help him become the country's top forward. The 26-year-old tells Karthik Raman how the legendary Brazilian striker can help him get there and how ISl is a learning curve for both Indian as well as foreign players
What do you make about your time with Delhi Dynamos last seasonIJ
It was a great learning experience but the past is past. I look forward always and FC Goa is my new home and my new team and I look forward to winning the championship this year.
How long it took for you to settle down with your new teammatesIJ
I've been excited because Goa has been one of my favorite cities to live in. I want to make this my new home and I'm looking forward to staying here as long as I can. I didn't take too long to settle down. The team in general and the people of Goa are very accepting and that made my move from Delhi to Goa very easy. And it has been all happy memories. And I hope to make more memories along this season.
What do you make about the two cities - Noida and Goa - in terms of food, climate, surroundings, etc.IJ
Noida will always be my home. But FC Goa and Goa is my new home and I hope the people of Goa accept me because I want to take FC Goa as far as I can.
What do you make about playing under the Brazilian great ZicoIJ
Zico is one of the greatest footballers this world has ever seen. And being able to learn from him also is going to be beneficial to me in the long run. As Zico himself has been one of the greatest strikers the world has ever seen and me personally. I want to be one of the best strikers in India so I hope I learn as much as I can under him.
How much did you enjoy playing in ISl so farIJ
It's been a great experience. I had my fair share of ups and downs; I've learnt a lot, I've had fun during the seasons. And I'm looking forward to this season with FC Goa and making a valuable contribution.
How much do you think playing with the foreign players help you and the rest of the Indian boysIJ
Well the foreigners in this league bring their own ideas and expertise to the game being played at the highest level with regards to football. So if you get a chance to learn from them, you learn as much as you can. I'm sure even when they come in everyday, it is a learning experience for them as well. You learn every day. So not just us, even the foreigners come in to grab the culture, the footballing experience, the scenario here in India. In totality ISl provides a learning curve for both internationals and Indians alike.
What do you make about your squad this seasonIJ
The squad is brilliant. We've got a mix of both experienced players, young players, internationally acclaimed players and Indian players who've played at the highest international level. So we've got a mixed bag of players who are hungry to play, who want to play and the boys who are here from the last season.