KOCHI : If one thing were to give Kerala Blasters FC an edge over others in Season 3 of the ISL, it would have to be the fact that they have a current international as their marquee player. Northern Ireland defender Aaron Hughes has been a calming influence over the roller coaster ride that the Blasters have endured to be a just point away from the playoffs. The former NIR captain spoke to Express ahead of the crucial game against NorthEast United FC. Excerpts...
The final league match being so crucial
It’s exciting. It’s going down to the last match. For the spectators and the neutrals, maybe that’s what the league wants. We know we have a job to do. The prize is such that we can put in a good performance and give ourselves a chance. It’s a big game. These are the games that you want to play in. When you are a kid on the playground, you pretend that you are playing these games. To be involved in it is special.
On breaks from the Blasters while on duty with NIR
I don’t look at it like I was away from the squad. When you are with a team, you are with them. Although I had to leave for 10 days each time, I never felt I was away. I still was part of it. I didn’t really notice any big changes through the season (while returning from the breaks). We’ve just tried to continue the work which we did in training, and which we hoped would get us a result.
His India connection being mentioned in commentary during the WC qualifier against Germany
I hope everyone associated with Kerala, the Blasters and the fans saw that there was something to be proud of that one of their players was still being able to represent the country at that level. Although I was representing my country against Germany, I was also representing my club.
Response to the ISL at home
Everyone was asking me about the ISL, how it is to be in India, how the league is like. Not just my teammates, questions were asked at press conferences too. Definitely, it creates a little bit of exposure for the ISL and Kerala with me going back.
On his elegant style and the impressive record of 455 Premier League matches without being sent off
I don’t see it that way at all. I never think about it until people ask me about it. It’s one of those crazy statistics. It’s not something that I set out to achieve. It just happened that way.
krishnakumarkh@newindianexpress.com