Everything about Goa is fantastic, says Boumous
JOEL ANDRADE
PANAJI
FC Goa have made the Indian Super League (ISL) play-offs for the second consecutive season and playing a major role is French-born Moroccan midfielder Hugo Boumous. He has added an attacking edge to the team, aiding the talismanic forward Ferran Corominas after having joined the Gaurs in the 2018 January transfer window.
On the the sidelines of a meetand- greet event organised by Fomento Media, Boumous asserted that the team is in very high spirits and is doing everything it can to bring the ISL trophy to Goa. “The atmosphere in the dressing room in fantastic. The other day we trained at the beach and I have developed a great understanding with my teammates. We have achieved our primary target of qualifying for the play-offs and we will fight it out till the very end,” Boumous, who is known for his short passes, surging runs and dribbling ability, said.
Hugo didn’t take much time to settle as he had already played under coach Sergio Lobera in Morocco and knew his football philosophy. “My journey with FC Goa has been fantastic. I came here one year ago and have developed a great rapport with my teammates as well as the management. I played my first game from the bench and eventually made it to the starting eleven. I already knew the attacking philosophy of the coach and that is the kind of football I love playing.”
“I have been on the bench for the last few games but I understand the decision of the coach. With Pena coming into the backline, the team has got plenty of stability and we have had a five-match streak of not conceding a goal. Whatever time I get to play, I will give my 100%,” Hugo asserted.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder is happy to have made the decision to come to India and hinted that he may play for the national team in the years to come if the opportunity arises. “I have enjoyed my time in India and hopefully I can continue for a long long time. I came here on Sergio’s word because I knew his idea of football.
When I joined the team, they were already playing very well and were on the top of the table. I am happy to have made the decision to come to India and have been enjoying every bit of it. Everything is fantastic about this city (Goa) - the beaches, the food, the people. I absolutely love it,” he went on to say.
Hugo began his professional career in the second division in France and had a stint in Morocco’s first division before coming to India. Meeting Sergio proved to be the turning point for Boumous, who joined FC Goa on the word of Lobera.
“Football came to me at a very young age and I used to play in my locality from morning to evening. Then I joined an academy in France with helped me my hone my skills. Soon, I signed my first professional contract in the second division in France and played there for two years. After that I went to Morocco’s first division league where I met Sergio Lobera and ever since loved his football philosophy. I did one year there and finally I am here with FC Goa. The journey has been great,” the versatile midfielder stated.
WILL HE DON THE NATIONAL COLOURS?
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder is happy to have made the decision to come to India and hinted that he may play for the national team in the years to come if the opportunity arises.
