All about Jordi

Name: Jordi Figueras Montel

Country: Spain

Position: Centre back

Age: 30

Major clubs he’s played for: Celta de Vigo, Rayo Vallecano, Real Betis (Spain), Club Brugge (Belgium)

He’s tackled the likes of Lionel Messi in La Liga and will be leading the ATK backline in ISL IV, but first Jordi Figueras spoke to t2 at Novotel.

How’s Calcutta treating you?

Our fans gave us a very warm welcome at the airport. I hope we can have a great season for everybody and enjoy the city, the competition and win the title for ATK.

How did football start for you?

I loved playing and would watch every game on TV. I asked my parents to put me in a football team, and they put me in the team in my city when I was five. They were very supportive. They would come for my training and the games and helped me to achieve my dream of becoming a professional footballer. I put in a lot of hard work and sacrifices as well to achieve my goal and I’m still here.

What were some of the things you sacrificed?

A lot of things. When you’re young and you have friends, it’s hard because they’re going out to party and you cannot because you have a game the next day. So I always had to choose whether I wanted to go out or stay at home and look after myself.

Who were some of the players you grew up idolising?

I liked John Terry from Chelsea. He was a leader, a captain. A very, very good player. Aggressive, and he was my mirror. Also, Carles Puyol from FC Barcelona. He didn’t have it easy because he played in different positions. (Paolo) Maldini from AC Milan too. He’s a legend. He’s an example to follow for every player.

How would you describe yourself when you’re playing?

I don’t like to describe myself. I want everybody from the outside to have their own view. I like to have the ball and build play from the back. 

How did ATK happen?

I had some offers this summer, but I wasn’t convinced so I was waiting to see what other offers I get. And when ATK approached me, I didn’t have any doubt in my mind. I was at home with my wife... we spoke about everything and she was very supportive. I knew some players who had played here before and they spoke highly of ATK, their fans, the league, the stadium. I also wanted to experience this league and culture.

Do any of your children play football too?

I have three children. The oldest one is Marc (5), the middle one Xavi (2) and the little one Aleix (seven months). Marc has just started playing at the Celta de Vigo academy. Every day he asks me to teach him something… even now my wife sends me videos of him training. This is the hardest bit… being out of your country, away from your family to play.

How would you sum up your experience here so far?

The preseason was one of the best I’ve ever had. Dubai was amazing… the grounds, dressing rooms were perfect. We don’t have any complaints. We’re training well here, so raring to play our first home match.  

What is it like playing under Teddy Sheringham?

It’s an honour getting to play under him because he’s a legend and also having Robbie (Keane) as a teammate... I think they can help the team a lot. The team is like a warm family and hope we can go on and win the title. 

His personality is just like his defending — calm and composed.

t2 chatted with Tom Thorpe, the former Manchester United and current ATK defender, at Novotel before the start of the season. 

What brings you to India?

Speaking to the manager (Teddy Sheringham). Obviously he’s played for (Manchester) United, he’s got great history, but listening to his ideas and how he wants to play football really suited me. That was why.

It’s been very good so far. From the start he’s made his ideas really clear about what we want to do. And now it’s just about getting everybody on board and hopefully we can all join together and do exactly what he wants us to do.

I think it’s a league that is definitely up and coming. The season is going to be longer than what it originally was, so it’s something that wants to establish itself and hopefully it’s going to do that. 

Speaking of managers… you’ve played for Sir Alex Ferguson and Louis Van Gaal at Manchester United. What was that like?

Sir Alex obviously has got a great aura about him. Everybody knows who he is and what he’s done in the game. It’s impressive to be around him. He can also be intimidating at times, like everyone knows… but he’s a real nice person. It was a joy to play for him.

Louis gave me my first start. His ways were obviously different and it took a bit of time for the first team to understand and get on board with it. But he’s another manager who’s had a very illustrious career. 

After playing for Manchester United, what’s the biggest challenge here?

I think the humidity is going to be the biggest challenge. Being from Manchester, we don’t have the sun most of the time, even in summer. But it’s something we’ll deal with.

What are you like off the field?

I’m a very reserved person you know. I’m not one who’s boisterous or loud. I keep to myself most of the time. I prefer to just chill and relax. Obviously I’ll go out with some of the other lads and have a look around and bounce and see what’s there and integrate with each other. 

Who are you getting along with the most?

Well, obviously I came over here with the English boys like Carl (Baker), Conor (Thomas). We have a similar background of playing in England and it’s a similar experience for the foreign boys who’ve come here. Hopefully we’ve integrated well in Dubai, got to know them and it’ll show on the pitch that we’re good friends and we understand each other and how we play football.

We had a great preseason. It was about everybody understanding each other’s game, understanding the game plan of what we want to do in the forthcoming season. It’s been a good building block for the season. 

Text: Rwitoban Deb

Pictures: Pabitra Das