Denzil Franco
Interview ~ The Hard Tackle 2014/10/10
When you first hear about Denzil Franco , you immediately start thinking
about the best players Goa has ever produced .He has certainly been one
player Goa and India is proud of .He has arguably been the best right back
in the I-League for a few seasons now and is a regular in Indian National
Team.
The lad from Saligo, Goa has been one to look out for right from his SESA
Football Academy Days, but it was manager David Booth , who turned his
career around and since then there has been no looking back for the India
International , who has been a regular ain the India camps for the last 2
years.
A Defender with a No Nonsense Attitude, Denzil was consequently picked up by the Indian Super League franchisee Atletico De Kolkata, in the domestic drafts. The Hard Tackle’s Boudhayan Sarbajna caught up with Denzil and asked him about his amazing journey.
So how did you start your love affair with football ?
Denzil Franco: My father was a footballer in Mumbai , it was his dream to say one of his son to be a footballer and represent the country. We were 7 brothers and sisters and my father saw the talent in me and that his how the journey started.
Throughout your journey , who has been your greatest strength ?
Denzil Franco: My father. He is the reason why i am here today, but unfortunately 6 months back he passed away and I dedicate everything to him.
Tell us about your journey from St. Anthony’s School to winning the league with Churchill and now Atletico ?
Denzil Franco: It has been a bumpy journey, with lots of ups and downs and I think all sportspersons have ups and downs in their career. But I have given my best everytime I have entered the field, be it for my school team, my village team, academy team and the national team. Now I will give my best for the Ateltico de Kolkata team.
Mahindra United played a vital part in shaping your career , so what was your reaction when you learnt that the club had decided to disband itself ?
Denzil Franco: I signed for Mahindra in 2009 and David Booth was instrumental in getting my career back on track.It was a sad news for me as they were a big part of my career .
You have never played for any Kolkata based club, so what are you expecting from the kolkata crowd ?
Denzil Franco: It is something new for me, I know Kolkata is passionate about football. I have said it earlier that an Indian footballer has to experience playing in Kolkata for atleast a season and I am thankful to Atletico de Kolkata for giving me this chance. I hope that the supporters come in large numbers and cheer us on.
After Mahindra Churchil came calling and you won the league in the 2012-13 season , however the next season you finished 12th narrowly avoiding relegation .What went wrong ?
Denzil Franco: There were many changes made by the club to the title winning squad, due to many problems specially due to budget constraints. The players that came in, specially the foreigners could not adjust to the system right away and they took time to settle in and fit the system. But unfortunately till then it was too late and were out of the running for the top 4 places and in then end we were facing a relegation battle but in the end we narrowly saved it.
Coming to Atletico de Kolkata, you went to Spain , how was the experience ?
Denzil Franco: It was the best experience of my life. We got the best facilities , top class grounds, hotels and food that any Indian footballer can have. A sportsman has to be treated in this way and I would urge the federation to send the youth teams abroad, so that they can get the experience and come back as better footballers.
Luis Garca is the marquee player for Atletico de Kolkata , how has the experience of playing alongside him been ?
Denzil Franco: It has been brilliant experience playing alongside him. He is a humble person. He is a motivation in the team for everyone. He always comes out and speaks to the youngsters and other players, motivates them and gives them a few tips to improve their game. I have played alongside him in a few friendly matches and I am looking forward to play in a competitive match alongside him.
How has the gaffer been treating you ?
Denzil Franco: The gaffer treats everyone equally, we have players from Africa, Czech Republic, France but he treats everyone equally. At the end of the day the coach is doing his job and we have to do ours .
Given the pedigree of players in some of the teams like Pune City FC , Mumbai City FC and FC Goa.What plans do you have when you face them?
Denzil Franco: We are looking at our own strengths and taking each match at a time.
You were unveiled at half-time during the match between Atletico de Madrid and Celta Vigo at the Vincente Calderon. How was that feeling ?
Denzil Franco: It was like a dream, it was the best feeling any Indian footballer can have to be standing infront of so many people and the people in Madrid talking about the league in India. It was one of the best feelings as an Indian footballer .
You met Atletico de Madrid’s coach Diego Simeone before leaving Madrid.what message did he give you guys ?
Denzil Franco: I could not converse with him, but he is a friend of our coach and he has been in touch with our coach and the coach has been conveying us his message all the time. He has wished us luck.
Along with all the foreign recruits, you also have fellow Goan and India legend Climax Lawrence in your side. How big a presence is he in the dressing room ?
Denzil Franco: I have high respect for him, being from Goa. He is a legend in Indian football. I look at him like my elder brother and he is someone everyone in the dressing room looks up to, having achieved so many things in Indian football.
How do you think will the Indian Super League effect Indian Football ?
Denzil Franco: I think it is too early to say what the effects of the ISL will be, because the league has not started yet but I think it will have a positive effect. Youngsters will see Indian footbalers playing with marquee players and will hope they can play with them too and will start thinking of football as a career. I really think the Indian Super League will help Indian football grow.
Coming to the national team, Wim Koevermans has announced his decision to step down from the national team job , how did you react to the news?
Denzil Franco: It was sad and shocking news when Wim told us that he would step down before the Palestine match. I gained a lot of things from him .The last 2 years were a really nice journey, I attended all National camps and started in all matches. We won the Nehru Cup in 2012 with him. I think he has given a lot to Indian Football.
Moving into the rapid fire section, who is your favourite player?
Denzil Franco: Cristiano Ronaldo.
Favourite club ?
Denzil Franco: Manchester United.
Mention one of your favorite moments.
Denzil Franco: Winning the Nehru Cup in 2012.
Name your favorite actor and your favorite movie.
Denzil Franco: Salman Khan and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Link: http://www.thehardtackle.com/2014/diegosimoinefriend/
