Alberto Noguera: We will look forward to being up against the best in Asia

The 30-year-old also spoke regarding FC Goa, newly appointed head coach Juan Ferrando and more.

The upcoming 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season is only a few weeks away now, and all teams are busy in preparations for what would be the seventh edition of the competition. Most of them have already confirmed a major part of their squads, to which FC Goa are no exception. One of the Gaurs' players who will be expected to be star of the side is Alberto Noguera, who put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the club in September.

After graduating from Getafe's youth system, Alberto Noguera went on to sign for Rayo Vallecano before capturing the attention of Atletico Madrid. The centre midfielder plied his trade with Los Rojiblancos' C and B teams for a few seasons, before making his debut for their senior side in 2012. In the years that followed, the 30-year-old also went on to play for former Premier League side Blackpool, and a few other Spanish clubs including Numancia and Racing Santander.

Recently, in an exclusive chat with Khel Now, Alberto Noguera spoke about his reasons for signing with FC Goa, his ambitions with the club and a host of other topics.

"When FC Goa they contacted me, they had already done their homework on me. I was impressed and that was followed up by some research and speaking to some of my friends who have already played here. Everything that I heard and read was all top-notch. My doubts were quickly allayed and everything was done very swiftly," he began.

"The main motivation to join Goa is that I still feel that my best days lie ahead of me. I still have room for improvement and a new challenge was something that I felt would get the best out of me at this stage of my career," the midfielder added.

Alberto Noguera was asked about any pressure that he might face as a new signing, to which he answered, "Personally, I don’t feel there is any pressure on me because I know the player I am and what I am capable of."

"We will have to put in a lot of work and effort, that is for sure. However, I am certain with the quality of players we have and more importantly the mentality of the players, it will be a great year for the team and me," he added.

FC Goa will have an additional responsibility in the upcoming season in AFC Champions League, and the 30-year-old revealed that he knows it will not be an easy run for the team.

"It (ACL) is a great honour for me and my teammates. Even when I speak to my Spaniard compatriots about the country and the league, they feel Indian football is on the rise. It is taking shape and this would be a great opportunity to put Indian clubs on the map."

"We will be up against the best in Asia and it won’t be easy, though. We understand that and will be looking forward to the challenge that comes with," Alberto Noguera shared.

The Spaniard also went on to explain how the presence of a strong Spanish contingent at Goa would make his transition to Indian football easier. "I am confident that this should be a very comfortable transition for me and I will try my best to acclimate as quickly as possible. I actually have no doubts that I will. We will surely work towards creating a great environment for us all in the dressing room while pushing each other on the field to be at our competitive best."

The midfielder also seems to have already become a fan of his new boss Juan Ferrando. "I have already spoken to him several times, of course on calls and video conferences. Like me and the club, he also shares the passion and fervor to play a good brand of football. That is key," the 30-year-old revealed. 

"He is pretty attack-minded. So is the club and so am I. In terms of style, I am an offensive player who likes to attack. However, I am firstly and ultimately a player who will do anything that is required for the betterment of the team. I will be there to be used in any role in the team by the coach. I am a team man and I like to put the team before myself every time. The larger tactical conversations I believe will take place between us when we arrive in India. The preseason should be set for that."

The former Atletico Madrid ace could have already arrived in India by now, had it not been for COVID-19. Speaking about it, Alberto Noguera quipped, "It (the pandemic) has affected football the world over and me as well. I had to play till July this season as we were lucky enough to finish the season. I am in Spain at the moment and waiting to get the green light to go to India. I hope to start soon and look forward to a great preseason," he said.

ALSO READ: I wouldn’t be here if the challenge wasn’t so great, reveals Alberto Noguera

The FC Goa midfielder also opined that the ISL, which will be held in Goa, does not mean a home advantage for the Gaurs. "I am sure it will be a very challenging season for all of us. Playing without fans is a great loss for football, be it any club or any player. They are what makes football what it is. But, of course, their safety should be our first concern at the moment," he commented.

Alberto Noguera concluded the chat with a short message for the FC Goa fans. "I can’t wait to start this season. I look forward to my first season in India. I look forward to fighting for them, trying to win games and titles and give my best. See you soon!"

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