PANAJI
Speaking to The Goan Everyday for the first time after his new takeover, the casino magnate said he shared a deep bond with Goa, where football was followed as a religion and that the tiny state did have a vibrant culture for this sport. “I share a deep bond with Goa and this state has a vibrant football culture and legacy. I am honoured to have the opportunity to be an active part of it,” Mody, the 60-year-old entrepreneur, who started out in the real estate and construction business, before moving into casinos a few years ago, said. On being asked as to how he felt about his new foray into owning a football franchise from Goa, Mody replied: “FC Goa is a fantastic team loved and adored by people from Goa and beyond. “The businessman also had words of praise for the previous promoters -- Dattaraj Salgaocar and Shrinivas Dempo -- for being instrumental in shaping the fortunes of the Gaurs, which saw them finishing second best in last year s ISL final played in Goa. “The team has been nurtured and groomed by the promoters since its inception and I am committed to taking forward that vision,” said Mody, hinting that he was as committed as his predecessors in sharing a common dream for the Goan franchise. “At FC Goa, we all share a common dream which is to see the development of football,” summed up Mody, whose new possession is part of a league that is world s fourth highest attended league.
