Andrea Fernandes
PANAJI
Keenan Almeida becomes the seventh domestic player to join FC Goa. The Gaurs are striving hard to set up a tough defense by signing this lad on Friday. The 23-year-old is a promising young defender, who over the last three seasons was juggling for the I-League side, Sporting Clube de Goa.
He was also part of India’s squad for the 2014 Asian Games. After the ISL season 2 in January he will join Salgaocar FC from FC Goa to play in the I-league. He had been part of the ISL domestic players draft but was not picked by any of the franchises.
In an exclusive interview with he lists out his goals for the upcoming season.
It feels really good since it is our home team and playing for it will be a great experience especially after knowing the kind of fan following the team saw in the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League. Yes I was supporting FC Goa because without any doubt one definitely has to support their home team.
I will be playing in the position of a defender and my role in the team will be anything that the team requires from me. I will try and meet the need of the team and following the instructions of our coach will be my main focus. Working under coach Zico for the next few months will be a major learning experience for me as he is a football legend. He will help me to take my game to the next level and am really looking forward to it.
I have been going to the gym from mid-June to keep myself fit and now after being picked up by FC Goa I will gain all the additional motivation and the boost I need to be ready for this season. I will do my best to stay fit.
I will definitely try my best to earn a first team spot by playing well and also see that no compromises will be made on hard work put in. Everything depends on performance shown during practice sessions. All I will do is put my best foot forward. It will also be a great honour to play alongside Lucio who has achieved almost everything in the world of football. He is a living legend and will bring into the team his experience that will help all of us in every aspect.
I don’t think I can judge them on what went wrong as I wasn’t a part of the team then. All that I can say is that they entertained all of us by playing some good football. Everyone cannot win but we will definitely strive to go much further this season.
Yes. I have played in the I-League but the ISL is an opportunity as well as one-of-a-kind experience for me. You can look at it either ways. I am very excited to be part of this footballing event.
Name: Keenan Almeida
Date of birth: December 10, 1991
Place:Cuncolim, Margao
Position: Defender
Weight: 74 kg
Previous clubs:
Salgaocar FC (2010“2012)
Sporting Clube de Goa (2012-2015)
FC Goa (present club)
