"After speaking with Manolo, I decided to come here and take up a new challenge" - Striker Carlos Martinez ahead of FC Goa's away game in Bengaluru
FC Goa stunned their supporters when they announced the signing of striker Carlos Martinez ahead of this season.
The Spanish forward, who had an offer of a contract renewal from FC Andorra, decided to pack his bags and spend the twilight of his career in Goa. Born in Barcelona, Martinez has played for Villarreal B, Tokyo Verdy and Hercules among other clubs in the past.
Addressing the media ahead of FC Goa's match against Bengaluru FC on Wednesday, Martinez went on record to state that Manolo Marquez, the current head coach of the club, had a big say in his moving to India.
"The experience has been good till now. Goa is a good place to live, the people are kind to me, and they try to help all the time. It is easy for me to adapt. I decided to come here since I have followed the league for some time now. I have a lot of friends who played here," said Martinez.
"I was thinking of renewing with Andorra when Manolo called me. I know his stature in Indian football. After speaking with him and the players who are here, I decided to come here and take up a new challenge. Manolo's words were very important," he added.
"We are working every day to improve and get better" - Carlos Martinez on training
Martinez, who is also known fondly as Carlitos, has had a dream start to life at the Fatorda. He has already scored four goals and bagged two assists in the eight games that he has played across competitions for the Gaurs.
Quite naturally, he is pleased about these numbers but wants to continue doing well and keep the momentum up.
"These are good stats, numbers to start, but most important is for the team to win. We are working every day to improve and get better," said Martinez.
"We are playing good games. Winning three games in a row is very difficult. We are scoring goals and need to take advantage of the start that we have. We have to go to Bengaluru to win," he added.
FC Goa have had a fantastic start to this ISL season and are second in the table with nine points. They have scored six goals and conceded just three. Mohun Bagan have pipped them to the top of the rankings on their slightly better goal difference.
The Gaurs will hope to come back from the Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday with a positive result.