Sunday, November 13 marks a special occasion for FC Goa forward Alvaro Vazquez as he lines up to take the field for the Men in Orange against his former club, Kerala Blasters in his first ever game in the football-crazy state after playing in the COVID-induced 2021/22 season which was played in a bubble.
Having propelled the Blasters to their first final in six seasons, the Spaniard was a cult hero in the state, but as he goes back, his mind is firmly set on coming away with all three points. And whilst he remains grateful for the love he received in Kerala, Vazquez does not want the respect for his former club to be mistaken for insecurity.
“The Blasters’ fans are great people. But the objective, once the game starts, is always the same – to get the three points,” the 31-year-old said on Thursday when quizzed about visiting his former club’s home.
“Well, this is football, is it not? Sometimes we go our separate ways. And now, as an FC Goa player, my intentions are to give my best for my team.
“I’m happy to meet all of them. I’ve always enjoyed the love and support of the Kerala Blasters fans, so this would be my opportunity to thank them.”
Fully-fit now after an injury layoff
A nagging injury has meant that the eloquent forward is frustrated – having clocked just 100 minutes across two appearances so far, missing out Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur FC. And with FC Goa winning 3 of their first 4 with not much impact from the Spaniard, the Goa faithful tantalisingly await for Vazquez’s return as they look to hit top gear.
“Before the second game I had a problem with my hamstring, I couldn’t fully recover it until now. It’s not my best start but all of that is in the past now, I’m here and I’m ready,” the striker said. “It’s a special game, and I’m happy and motivated to do well.”
At Kochi, Vazquez and co. will be backed by nearly 200 FC Goa fans, who are travelling to the city to watch the game from the away stands. The former Spain U20 international appreciated the support in his parting message.
“First of all, thanks to our fans for making the trip and for supporting us in the stadium. Secondly, we want to give them the victory and continue the fight for the highest honours,” he signed off.
About FC Goa
FC Goa is a professional football club based out of Goa that competes in the Indian Super League (ISL). Nicknamed the Gaurs, FC Goa has been one of the most consistently successful teams in the ISL – reaching 4 semi-finals and 2 finals in 8 seasons.
Heading into the 2022-23 season of the HISL, FC Goa holds the record for most wins, most goals, most golden boots and most number of playoff appearances in the history of the competition.
FC Goa became the first team from India to qualify for the league stages of the AFC Champions League in 2021 by virtue of winning the first-ever Hero ISL League Winners Shield in the 2019-20 season.
The Gaurs trophy cabinet is also adorned by the 2019 Super Cup, the 2018-19 GFA Pro League, and the 2021 Durand Cup.
Co-owned by Mr Jaydev Mody, Mr Akshay Tandon and Mr Virat Kohli, FC Goa is one of the few Indian Clubs to have a complete youth development ecosystem. Its U14, U16, U18 and Developmental Teams compete at the highest levels in Goa and India.
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