MARGAO
India's performance at the joint FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in Doha was lauded and appreciated by football fans after the team's third-place finish in a tough group which included the 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar.
Coach Igor Stimac provided opportunities to many talented footballers, who performed beyond expectations, but above all the performance of Glan Martins was exceptional. Martins, who turned 27 on Thursday, was the man for FC Goa in their AFC Champions League group stage campaign at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda and the Velsao-born midfielder carried the fine form for the country in his debut.
“It was a huge honour to wear the Indian jersey and play for the country. The feeling was unbelievable as it's a dream for any young footballer to play for your country. I always longed all these years to play for the nation. I realised it after the encouragement of my family and friends, and everyone at the clubs I played, especially FC Goa, which is like a home to me,” Martins told 'The Goan'.
“The AFC Champions League matches were played at a top level and it gave me a great push to compete and be ready to put me in a sound position to accept the challenges against the best in Asia, before applying myself. I had fair knowledge about things to come in the FIFA qualifiers,” Martins added.
Talking about his preparations for the Indian Super League, Martins laid out his priorities.
“As a professional, for me or any other footballer, the ultimate aim is to win trophies for your club. I had put myself a challenge to improve continuously, and I had to adapt technically. It's always tough out there. Now, getting back in the position for the Champions League and winning the ISL trophy matters the most for me,” said the burly midfielder.
