Interview with FC Goa's Denson Devadas: It is exciting to play in front of Goa fans
After spending season 1 of the ISL with Chennaiyin FC, Denson Devadas played for Mohun Bagan, with whom he won the I-League. He is now with FC Goa for this season of the ISL, and they are currently at the top of the table. The 32-year old midfielder spoke with Sportskeeda, in a chat where he outlined his love for football, the switch from Chennai to Goa and playing under Zico.
Denson, first up, how has it been making the switch to Goa, after spending last year with Chennaiyin?
Definitely, playing for Chennaiyin was a wonderful experience last year. Everyone at the club, from the fellow players to the support staff to the owners to the fans was very supportive and encouraging. That was one of the main reasons that enabled each one of us to perform to our best. I have to say that there is not much difference with playing for Goa, either.
The fans who come to Fatorda are brilliant, as well. It is a fabulous sight to see those orange flags being waved at once.
How does it feel to be playing under Zico?
Zico is a wonderful guy. An absolute legend. It is a dream come true to be playing under him. The biggest thing for me is that I got noticed by him. All our players this season were picked by Zico himself, so to be one of those he noticed is a very nice feeling.
You won the I-League with Mohun Bagan in May. Now, you are playing against many of your team-mates from that team. Does it feel weird?
No, I don’t think so. All this is part and parcel of being a footballer. These are things that keep happening, and you need to be ready for that. I shared a nice time with Mohun Bagan when we won the I-League, but now I’m playing for Goa and I need to play my best to help the team win games. Obviously it is exciting to be sharing the field with my old team-mates again, but that is it. Once we step on the field, that is forgotten.
How much of a help have the likes of Lucio been to the Indian players in the team?
Not just Lucio, all the foreign players have been very helpful and are always getting us to improve our game. At both my ISL teams, this has been the case. Elano, Mendy and Materazzi last year, were very helpful and were constantly talking to all of us. This year, guys like Lucio, Leo Moura and all have helped us a lot, with our skills on the ball. They have told us not to take too many touches and want us to think sharply.
Your role is more of a defensive one. Do you sometimes get that urge to get forward and score goals?
Definitely, every player likes to score. That is something that cannot be denied. One wrong thing here, is that only the people who score goals are recognized, which I think is wrong. I also enjoy it when I score goals, but I know my role in the team, and I am happy to be performing that role, so that the team is benefitted.
You are called the prankster in the Goa side. Have you pulled any pranks on the foreigners yet?
Yes, almost all the foreigners have been affected by me so far. They have not told me anything, but everyone just has a good laugh and moves on. For me, it is a way of interacting and bonding with everyone in the team.
Any chances the manager is going to fall for one of your pranks, then?
I don’t think so.
Who is your favourite footballer?
Zinedine Zidane
Which club do you support, in European football?
Chelsea
One Manager you would love to play for?
I’m living it right now, playing under Zico, but I would have loved to play under Jose Mourinho as well.
If you had to pay to watch one football match, which would it be?
Any football. I love the game, and I could watch any football match, no matter what level it is.
Thank you, Denson. It was a pleasure talking to you. Good luck!
Thank you very much.