FC Goa's Armando Sadiku outlines 'hard work' as key to Indian players in ISL

The Gaurs striker makes a damning claim about Indian players hoping to play for India.

Indian Super League (ISL) club FC Goa’s Albanian striker, Armando Sadiku, recently shared his candid thoughts on Indian football in a recent interview with ISL media. The 33-year-old particularly had some words of advice to the Indian football team players.

An ISL shield winner and a Durand Cup winner, the Albanian has enjoyed remarkable success in Indian football club competitions. While speaking on the unique opportunity presented to the Indian players in Goa to play under the Indian national team coach Manolo Marquez, Sadiku made some interesting revelations.

Indian players should be hungrier for national team openings

While sharing his emotional connection to representing one’s country, Sadiku shared his passionate thoughts on the subject. Sadiku stated, “If my national team, Albania, calls me now, I’d go by car, not by flight, because I love my country, and I love to play for my national team.”

The 33-year-old striker shared how he urges his Indian teammates in Goa to make the most of this unique opportunity to stake their claim. While encouraging the players to demonstrate their hunger and commitment on the field, the Albanian stated, “And the guys here in India, they say, okay, no problem, if you take me, take me, if you don’t take me, no problem.” 

Desire the key advice for Indian players from Sadiku

During the interview with ISL media, Sadiku was asked if Indian players are perhaps too shy to approach their coach about national team opportunities. The Albanian outrightly dismissed the idea, while claiming it’s not about shyness but rather the intensity of desire to play for the Blue Tigers.

He stated, “You must want something very strong. And if you want, you can have it. And to play for national team India, so I think every player’s dream. Yeah, yeah. And if you dream something, you must train strong.”

According to Sadiku, playing for the national team should be the ultimate dream for every player, and he calls on Indian players to show the necessary determination and hard work to play at the highest level.  

The Gaurs’ striker’s comments shed light on the mindset Indian players should adopt to elevate their game and secure a spot in the Indian national team. With Marquez continuing to oversee both club and country responsibilities, Indian players especially at FC Goa have a golden chance to impress a coach, who could shape their international careers. 

While Sadiku’s words serve as both inspiration and a wake-up call for Indian footballers, it is up to the latter to seize the unique opportunities before them and strive for greatness on the international stage.

FC Goa players getting a unique opportunity

While candidly sharing his thoughts on the Indian players in Goa, Sadiku emphasized the significance of having Marquez as the national team and club head coach. He shared that the Spaniard’s presence should act as a daily influence for club players to get better and impress him.  

While highlighting how rare and special it is for the Indian players to have their national team coach working with them regularly, Sadiku stated, “I think if I’m an Indian guy, and I have my national team coach with me, training every day, oh my God. I will train every training to show him, look, I want to come in the national team, and I will say to him, please, bring me to the national team.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.