Goa, Sept 2020: “What should the fans in Goa expect from me? Goals and professionalism,” remarked Igor Angulo as the ink was drying on a one-year deal that the Spaniard had just signed, making him the prime marksman for FC Goa.
“I was blessed during my time in Poland and received a lot of love. It was not only for the goals that I scored, but also I have always been a professional.
“I make myself accountable. I don't evade my responsibilities. They are important to me. That’s just who I am. I will always be on the pitch, helping the team overcome any adversity to the best of my ability.”
The experienced forward not only brings goals and guile, but also great firepower to the Gaurs’ frontline.
It was in 2006 that Igor Angulo left the shores of Spain. for a small trip to France, when he joined AS Cannes. As the years passed, his travels became more frequent, and in 2016 he found a second home in Poland with Gornik Zabrze.
In 4 seasons at the club, Igor was their highest scorer in each of the seasons. After helping the legendary team to promotion in his very first season, he helped establish them as a regular fixture in the Polish Ekstraklasa over the past few seasons.
These past three seasons have seen Igor pump in 63 goals in 99 games - bagging the Golden Boot in 2018/19.
Taking the initiative
It’s never simple to move out of your home country to seek a living outside. Igor, though, was never one to shy away from taking the initiative.
And that nature has helped him find a bond with FC Goa.
“I have seen FC Goa play. And I like the fact that the team always likes to attack, to take the initiative. It’s the same with me,” added Angulo.
“I had the opportunity to move to India these last few years. However, I was waiting for the right chance. And Goa for me is the best club possible to keep developing my football. I'm sure that we will both - the club and me, will bring the best out of each other.”
The Asian adventure and a message
The Gaurs secured themselves a place in history when they topped the ISL table last season - becoming the first ever Indian club to book a place in the group stages of the AFC Champions League.
The Spaniard will certainly be key to the Gaurs’ fortunes in the competition and the tournament is something that already excites the former Athletic Bilbao man.
“It was one of the strongest points why I chose Goa. I'm a very competitive player and I always want to play against the best clubs,” admitted Angulo. “To be able to play against the best clubs in Asia is gonna be a great challenge and I want to help the club there as well.”
“I know that right now the whole world, and especially India, is in a difficult situation, but together we'll get over it. In my first year, I hope that me and FC Goa will bring many moments of joy across India and especially to the fans of the Club.”
Having just finished a 13-month season in Poland, the forward is looking forward to recharging his batteries for a few weeks before setting his sights on India.
“Actually, I'm eager to start my adventure in Goa,” remarks Angulo. Actually, we are as eager as well.
About FC Goa
FC Goa is a professional football club based out of Goa that competes in the Indian Super League (ISL) and is the current holder of the Super Cup. Nicknamed the Gaurs, FC Goa has been one of the most consistent teams in the ISL - reaching 3 semi-finals and 2 finals in 6 seasons.
In Season 2019/20, the club won the Hero ISL League Winners Shield, by finishing top of the table in the league stages and became the first ever club from India to qualify for the group stages of the AFC Champions League. The Gaurs are also the only ISL side to win more than 50 games and score more than 200 goals.
Co-owned by Mr Jaydev Mody, Mr Akshay Tandon and Mr Virat Kohli, FC Goa is one of Indian few Clubs to have a complete youth development ecosystem. It’s U14, U16, U18 and Developmental Teams compete at the highest levels in Goa and nationally. The system has produced recognizable talents like Saviour Gama, Princeton Rebello and many more. The Gaurs are also the current Champions of the Goa Professional League, GFA U20 & GFA U18 Leagues. ]