VASCO
Goan footballer Glan Martins on Thursday received a warm welcome at Dabolim Airport on returning home after representing the Indian national team in the joint qualifiers for FIFA World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar.
Velsao Sarpanch Henrique D’Mello, Dy Sarpanch Sylvia D’Souza, social worker Roquezinho D’Souza and a group of villagers of Velsao-Pale were present to welcome Martins. Speaking to reporters at the airport, Roquezinho D’Souza said Martins has made Velsaokars proud by representing India at the Asian qualifiers, where the country advanced to the final round of qualifying for AFC Asian Cup China 2023.
“He did his schooling at St Anthony High School, Majorda, during which time he took a keen interest in football. His sports career started with the under-14 team at Fransa Sports Club of Betalbatim,” D’Souza said.
“He has made us proud by representing the country in football. He has become an inspiration for many youths in Goa and he will continue to make Velsaokars proud,” added D’Souza.
Our Margao reporter adds: Martins' performances for FC Goa in the AFC Champions League and for India in the joint qualifiers in Doha have caught the attention of fans across the country and he has been hailed as a revelation for the national team after his debut for the Blue Tigers.
The attacking midfielder has committed his future to FC Goa and completed the formalities of signing a three-year deal for the Gaurs. Martins has been a standout performer under FC Goa's Spanish coach Juan Ferrando despite joining the team midway in the ISL season on loan from ATK Mohun Bagan.
Martins had signed for the Kolkata heavyweights but did not find favour with coach Antonio Habbas and got very little playing time with the team. However, the move to the Gaurs was an instant success as he established himself as a key player in midfield for Ferrando.
