Salgaocar Players
<div><b>Ex-Player T. Shanmugham</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br></div>T.
Shanmugham (born 19 June
1920) in Bangalore, played for
Mysore State for most of his
career despite offers to play for
teams from Kolkata. He was a
gold medalist at the first Asian
Games in 1951 and played the
1952 Olympic Games.Coaching
career:After retiring from his
playing career, Shanmugham
became a coach and joined
Salgaocar SC in 1979 and with
his guidance they became the
champion club of India by
winning the Federation Cup
twice in 1988 and 1989.He was
the coach of the Goa State Team
that won the Santosh Trophy
twice ie first as joint winners
with W.Bengal in 1983, Kolkata
and then the outright victory at
Madras in 1984. He was also the
technical director of the Indian
football team in 1989
Shanmugham (born 19 June
1920) in Bangalore, played for
Mysore State for most of his
career despite offers to play for
teams from Kolkata. He was a
gold medalist at the first Asian
Games in 1951 and played the
1952 Olympic Games.Coaching
career:After retiring from his
playing career, Shanmugham
became a coach and joined
Salgaocar SC in 1979 and with
his guidance they became the
champion club of India by
winning the Federation Cup
twice in 1988 and 1989.He was
the coach of the Goa State Team
that won the Santosh Trophy
twice ie first as joint winners
with W.Bengal in 1983, Kolkata
and then the outright victory at
Madras in 1984. He was also the
technical director of the Indian
football team in 1989
Comments
</span></em></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><img id="imgNewsImage" class="imgfloatr" src="http://salgaocarfc.in/Admin/NewsImages/L/138.jpg"; alt="Salgaocar Stalwarts II - An interview with Rocus Lamare, SFC vice captainThis is the second in a series on interviews on the Salgaocar Stalwarts – SFC players who have been with us through our highs and lows, for 4 years or more, an extended period in the fast and fickle world of football." style="margin: 0px 15px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; float: right; height: 224px; width: 393px; "></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">1. SFC: Tell us about you</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl00_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">RL: Hmmm (thinking…) I am a reserved person and I don’t like to hang around much. Football is my first love and I always dreamt of being a football player. Liverpool and Real Madrid are my favorite teams. I like the passion and loyalty of fanatic followers of Liverpool and the master tactics of Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl01_Label2" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl01_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">I am not very active on social networking sites as I hardly surf the Internet, but now I plan to do so as I get a lot of requests from my fans (smiling).</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">2. SFC: Your football philosophy</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl02_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">RL: Football is like air, I cannot live without it. It’s in my blood. I am thankful to God that he has given me a career in football. Nowadays, football is getting more and more professional so players like me can take up football as a career.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">3. If you were not a footballer what would you be?</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl03_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">RL: I would have been into some business or probably into Government service. All my family members are employed in the Meghalaya government.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">4. Your biggest achievement till date</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl04_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">RL: Winning the I-League, Federation cup and SAFF cup in a single season is my biggest achievement in life.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">5. SFC: You have been with Salgaocar for 4 years. Despite being in demand with a number of clubs, tell us what keeps you with Salgaocar FC</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl05_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">RL: I love this club. It is very different from all the other clubs in India. Our president takes good care of us; he personally looks into all player matters despite his busy schedule. I don’t think any other club takes care of their players as well as Salgaocar does. It has become like a second home for me.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">6. SFC: What does it mean to be the vice captain of Salgaocar FC</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl06_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">RL: Salgaocar FC has a rich legacy of football. It has contributed a lot to football in Goa. There are legends associated with Salgaocar FC and I am proud to be the vice captain of such a club. Luciano has the tough job of captaining our team. I respect and admire him for his leadership skills as he helps the players listen to the coach, keeps the team together and also maintains his own composure. It’s a tough job. As the vice captain I will always give my full support to him and our coach.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">7. SFC: Your thoughts on Salgaocar’s performance this season and your own performance</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl07_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">RL: Compared to last season we did an average job this season. There were lot of injuries, lot of matches, travelling etc. It was not easy this season. However, I think we managed to come back strongly in the second half of the I-League plus we didn’t do badly in the AFC Cup either, as we defeated Al Arouba and drew results with Neftchi. These teams are powerhouses of football in Asia and it is a feat to deliver positive results against them. All credit goes to our coach and teamwork.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl08_Label2" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; "></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl08_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">My own performance was not too bad either. Although I missed several matches for Salgaocar FC due to national team commitments, I will try to improve upon my performance for Salgaocar FC next season.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">8. SFC: When you have players from different countries and different Indian states, how difficult is it to bond with each other? What kind of team bonding activities do you do?</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl09_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">RL: I think once we sign for Salgaocar FC then we become a part of the family. I don’t look at them as players from other states; I look at them as my family members. Every year we have a long season and have to be far from our families back home. Hence it is important that we all stay together and gel as a unit. We have lot of team building exercises during our preseason camp as well as during practices</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">9. SFC: We recently read an article on salgaocar’s match against Shillong Lajong (4th May), that it would be a different kind of home game for you. Do you feel any additional pressure playing away matches in shilling in front of so many Lajong fans?</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl10_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">RL: No, I don’t feel any pressure playing in Shillong. I started my playing career with Lajong, the fans there respect me a lot and are very supportive during matches. Just like Goa they would also like to see good football regardless whether the home team plays well or away team.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">10. You are one of the most consistent players. With football being a game known for its ups and downs, good days and bad days, tell us what makes you such a reliable performer.</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl11_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">RL: I concentrate on my own game. I try to give my 100% on the field and try not to duplicate my mistakes in earlier matches. After every match I meditate and recall all that had happened during the match. I try to introspect myself and find answers to any mistakes which I have committed. I believe this attitude of mine has made me build my composure which in turn has helped me in my consistency.</span></p>
</span></em></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><img id="imgNewsImage" class="imgfloatr" src="http://salgaocarfc.in/Admin/NewsImages/L/135.jpg"; alt="Salgaocar Stalwarts I - An interview with SFC captain Luciano SobrosaThis is the first in a series on interviews on the Salgaocar Stalwarts – SFC players who have been with us through our highs and lows, for 4 years or more, an extended period in the fast and fickle world of football." style="margin: 0px 15px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; float: right; height: 224px; width: 393px; "></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">1. SFC: Tell us about you</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl00_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">LS: Everything about me is football; I love this game and am proud that I have carved a career out of it. Whether I am playing or not, I always think about my team and try to give my 100% to them. I am very attached to my family, I love my daughter and wife, and they have always supported me in whatever decisions I have taken. Even my family back home always prays for my success. I like to surf the Internet and read online articles about football and other things as well.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">2. SFC: Your football philosophy</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl01_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">LS: For me, football is all about passion. It is also about the intensity and character of the person playing this game. It is so unpredictable, sometimes you win against the best teams and sometimes you lose against the weaker ones, there is so much of drama involved in this game. There is so much of involvement of fans, media, club management, coaches etc that it becomes impossible to ignore this game. Plus, I come from a country which breathes football so it is obvious that I will have a distinct passion for this game.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">3. SFC: You have been with Salgaocar for 4 years. Despite being in demand with a number of clubs, what keeps you with Salgaocar FC</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl02_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">LS: Every season I have good offers from other clubs. But, I prefer to stay with Salgaocar FC because I like the people here and the atmosphere, it is very encouraging for footballers. I like the president, the coach and other officials involved with the club. I also like the attention I get from the club fans. I have won respect here and this is something that money cannot buy for me. I know that I have to leave the club some day, but believe me; it is going to be very tough for me.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">4. SFC: What does it means to be a captain of a team like Salgaocar FC</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl03_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">LS: I feel very proud of being the captain of such a legendary club. But at the same time, it is not so easy to be a captain as you have to take care of yourself as well as the other team members. Being a captain, you are responsible for keeping the team in positive spirits. There are many situations in football; you have to push the team to deliver their best. I always try to put myself as an example and motivate the players to give their 100% in a match. It’s like keeping a family together.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">5. SFC: Your thoughts on Salgaocar’s performance this season and your own performance</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl04_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">LS: I think we started very well by winning the Federation cup. Unfortunately, we could not carry the same form in the beginning of I-League as we did not start the campaign as expected. But, I am happy that we returned to form in the second phase and did not lose for 11 consecutive matches. Plus, we had our AFC Cup matches clubbed with I-League schedule which made our progress even difficult. Overall I feel we had a mixed season this year and would like to see it improve in the upcoming season. Regarding my own performance, I think it was a fairly good season for me. We have not conceded in 17 out of 26 I-League games which is a record in itself. I give this credit to all the team members as I believe it is not only the defenders but everyone who has contributed to this milestone.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">6. SFC: When you have players from different countries and different Indian states, how difficult is it to bond with each other?</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl05_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">LS: Although it is a bit uneasy in the beginning, we do manage to get along very well as the season progresses. The coach also lays great emphasis on the team bonding and I appreciate it. We have lot of activities during our pre-season training, we have great atmosphere at Salgaocar FC and everybody helps each other. We also have team meetings, player meetings, etc. which also adds to the team bonding.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">7. SFC: You have come a long way in your football career...what advice would you give a foreigner who wants to make it in India?</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl06_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">LS: First thing is respect. Anybody who wants to play in India should respect the culture, language and the local players. They have to be professional enough and try to improve the quality of Indian football.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">8. Luciano, you’re one of the most composed and patient players on the team; however you have lost your cool a couple of times this season on the field. Tell us what makes you angry (on the field)</b></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 1.3em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: ProximaNovaCondensedRegular, Helvetica, Arial, sans; "><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl07_Label1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; ">LS: Sometimes I am angry with the decisions taken by referees. According to me 90% of the penalty decisions given against us this season were incorrect. Nobody questions the referee after the match but we have to face the media and the fans and justifications are demanded. There is so much of quality variation in the decisions given that sometimes I lose my temper. However, you may have seen recently that I do not go and argue with them anymore. I have learned to control my emotions and I am happy about it.</span></p>
<font color="#ff0000"><a id="lblHeaderDetail">Salgaocar Stalwarts III - An interview with Francis Fernandes, FPAI Fans Player of the year 2012.</a></font>
<br><span id="lblSubHeaderDetail"></span></h2><br><p>
<img id="imgNewsImage" class="imgfloatr" src="http://salgaocarfc.in/Admin/NewsImages/L/139.jpg"; alt="Salgaocar Stalwarts III - An interview with Francis Fernandes, FPAI Fans Player of the year 2012.This is the third in a series on interviews on the Salgaocar Stalwarts – SFC players who have been with us through our highs and lows, for 4 years or more, an extended period in the fast and fickle world of football." style="height:224px;width:393px;border-width:0px;">
</p>
<p><b><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl00_Label2">1. SFC: Tell us about you</span></b>
</p>
<p>
<span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl00_Label1">FF: I have spent my
childhood in Bogmalo, near to the tourist hotspot of Bogmalo Beach. It
was there that I learnt my first lessons in football. I played for my
school, Regina Mundi, and later, while at MES college, I gave trials for
Vasco SC and got selected for Vasco U-19. I grew in confidence and
started following the practice routine devotedly. My family has been my
strongest support.</span></p>
<p><b><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl01_Label2"></span></b>
</p>
<p>
<span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl01_Label1">After two successful
seasons with the Vasco SC senior team, I joined Salgaocar FC in 2006;
the year when Salgaocar had relegated into second division for the first
time in their history. I still remember their fans couldn’t believe it
and the topic was discussed for almost a year across the city. However, I
think Salgaocar FC has overcome all odds to come out as the favorite
once again.</span></p>
<p><b><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl02_Label2">2. SFC: Your football philosophy</span></b>
</p>
<p>
<span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl02_Label1">FF: It is a part of
my daily life. I don’t know how I fell in love with this game, but now I
cannot even think about myself without football. My father often says
that I am a reincarnation of my grandfather, who was also an avid
football fan.</span></p>
<p><b><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl03_Label2"></span></b>
</p>
<p>
<span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl03_Label1">Football has
everything that we experience in our lives. It teaches us qualities like
perseverance, hard work, sacrifice, respect, friendship and a belief in
God almighty.</span></p>
<p><b><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl04_Label2">3. SFC: Your biggest achievement till date</span></b>
</p>
<p>
<span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl04_Label1">FF: Winning the ‘FPAI
Fans’ player of the year 2012’ was my biggest achievement and I would
like to thank all my fans and admirers for that. Also, winning the
I-League, Federation cup and SAFF Cup in a single season was a milestone
for me.</span></p>
<p><b><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl05_Label2">4. SFC:
Francis, you have been with Salgaocar for 7 years, despite being in
demand with a number of clubs. Tell us what keeps you with Salgaocar FC.</span></b>
</p>
<p>
<span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl05_Label1">FF: Salgaocar is the
best run club in Goa. They have fine facilities for players and the
management and staff are very supportive. Our club president is very
kind, has keen interest in the game and personally takes care of all the
players. He knows all the players by their name which is rare in other
clubs. Also, they pay their players well and reward them whenever
necessary. I love the way this club functions and this is what keeps me
tied emotionally with them.</span></p>
<p><b><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl06_Label2">5. SFC: Your thoughts on Salgaocar’s performance this season and your own performance.</span></b>
</p>
<p>
<span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl06_Label1">FF: We had a good
pre-season last year and we started well by winning the federation cup.
Unfortunately, we faltered in the first few games of I-League and that
gave our rivals a chance to climb up the table. Our coach chalked out
our weaknesses and we all worked together to give a decent performance
in the second stage. But, with AFC Cup commitments and plaguing injuries
to players, we could not finish in the top five.</span></p>
<p><b><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl07_Label2"></span></b>
</p>
<p>
<span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl07_Label1">I think my
performance was decent as I played in almost all the I-League matches;
however I would like to improve my performance in the upcoming season.</span></p>
<p><b><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl08_Label2">6. SFC: You were a part of the winning team of SAFF cup 2012; tell us about the victory and about playing for India</span></b>
</p>
<p>
<span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl08_Label1">FF: It was my first
national team call. I was very excited and was praying for a win. It is a
different feeling when you play for your country. I learnt lot of
things from senior players which helped me to improve my technique.</span></p>
<p><b><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl09_Label2">7. SFC: How do you cope with match pressure? What are the factors which drive you to perform on field?</span></b>
</p>
<p>
<span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl09_Label1">FF: Firstly, I follow
the instructions given by our coach and then plan myself accordingly. I
think if you are well prepared then you will not feel pressurized, this
is also true for everything in life. I don’t succumb to pressure; in
fact I don’t feel pressurized at all. I just go and enjoy playing
football.</span></p><p><br><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl09_Label1"></span></p><p><span id="RepeaterNewsDetail_ctl09_Label1">http://salgaocarfc.in/NewsDetail.aspx?nmid=ukv<br></span></p><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input jscode="leoInternalChangeDone()" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>