He has played with Luis Figo and was the strike partner of a certain Mr Cristiano Ronaldo. That was in Portugal’s red-and-green jersey. And then, Helder Postiga happily slipped on the red-and-white jersey of Atletico de Kolkata (ATK). The 33-year-old Portuguese forward is Calcutta’s marquee player in the Indian Super League (ISL). At TRYP Segovia-Los Angeles Comendador Hotel in Los Angeles de San Rafael (Segovia in Spain), some three weeks ago, Postiga told t2 he was “enthusiastic” about “one big challenge” — helping the team “win like last year”. 

Team t2 says: Please get well soon and win it for us, Postiga!

What have you heard about the football culture of Calcutta?

My teammates have told me about last season and the life there in India, the teams, the players. I think it is a good challenge for me. I am slowly learning about Indian football from my teammates. I heard ISL was among the most-viewed Leagues in the world last year. I expect it to be more competitive than last year. I am seeing ATK’s last year’s matches now. The stadiums are big and I saw people really like football.   

Have you been to India before?

This will be my first time. I know India has some amount of Portuguese culture, in Goa, mostly. I hope to enjoy the country. 

What is your first impression of India?

Many many people… from what I have seen in the news, too much people and traffic. But I hope to enjoy the life in India. 

How did football start for you?

I was 12 when I started playing football in the club of my small city (Vila do Conde, Portugal). It is not a rich city. It is a fishing village. As a kid I played only football, all the time. This is my dream. For all kids of my country, it is a big dream to become a football player. Football is like a religion in Portugal. 

Who were your idols?

I have many inspirations, but my idol is Marco van Basten (former Dutch striker). I like the intelligence in his game. He terminated his career early, but for me, he is one of the best.

What was the feeling when you put on the Portugal jersey for the first time? 

When you start playing football, your dream is to play for your country one day. I realised that dream and I am happy. You work hard and you can achieve it. You practise hard and you improve. 

At 33, you surely want to play for Portugal again?

We’ll see… you never know what the future holds. Now, I want to enjoy this experience in India, enjoy the football and after this I’ll see what happens. Working hard and enjoying myself is my focus now. 

What do you think ISL can do for football in India?

I heard there are new academies coming up in India. That is very important. When you start playing as a kid, it is easy to develop your concentration for the game. I hope these academies can do good to football in India. 

What are your other passions?

Fishing! I go fishing in the summer with my father and my uncle. 

Finally, has anyone told you that you look a lot like Lionel Messi? 

(Grins) I think someone did say, but I think he was joking!

HELDER POSTIGA

Age: 33
Postiga was part of Portugal’s attacking line in World Cups 2006 and 2014. Has scored 27 goals for his country.
His match-winning penalty knocked England out in World Cup 2006 in the quarters.
Has played for 10 clubs, including Porto (under Jose Mourinho) and Tottenham Hotspur, and has scored close to 100 goals.
Has played with Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo. 
Fave actor: Nicolas Cage
Fave actress: Meryl Streep
Fave TV series: Suits, White Collar
Why is he not addicted to Facebook or Twitter? “I am addicted to talking to my family on the phone. I do understand that you can communicate with fans on these platforms and the importance of social life in sports, but sometimes you are exposing your life. I don’t like it. I am a private person. My private life is my private life… my family, my kids.” 

My idol is Marco van Basten. I like the intelligence in his game

What was it like playing with Cristiano Ronaldo? What is he like on the pitch and as a person? 
With the good players you are always learning and improving. Off the field and as a person, he is very normal and fun.

Luis Figo has a special place in Portugal’s footballing history. What was it like playing with him?
Figo will always be a reference for Portuguese football, the consummate professional I was fortunate to have played with. 

 

My message to Postiga is.... Tell t2@abp.in