Bengaluru: There is perhaps a bit of wanderlust in Juan Gonzalez. A desire, perhaps a need even, to travel and explore different cultures around the world. Luckily for Juanan, as he is fondly called, he has the perfect vehicle in football to facilitate the drive.
“I got a call from the coach. I was in Spain and this was a new opportunity. (Now) I like this city. I haven’t been to any other city in India, but I?love it here. I have a few friends who work here, so that’s made it a little easy,” revealed the Bengaluru FC defender about his latest sojourn.
But it is not without sacrifices. “I have a daughter and my wife is pregnant. But it’s my job. I can’t change that. I am here and my family are in Spain. But it’s my opportunity. My wife always understands...always,” he added.
Since beginning his football journey in Mallorca, Spain, the tall defender has not only played across various clubs in his country, but also in Germany, Hungary, United States before coming down to India.
“I started in my city Mallorca. Then I went to Deportivo La Coruna. It was my first professional contract. Then to Real Madrid Castilla. I had a two-month long training with the first team. First with (Manuel) Pelligrini and then (Jose) Mourinho.
With Mourinho I played two games (pre-season). Me and my whole family were Madrid (fans). When I was first called up by him, it was great,” said Juanan recalling his journey.
“I then went to Germany, initially into the second division but following year in the first division. Then to Hungary for a year and then back to Spain, playing for Recreativo Huelva and Leganes, because I wanted to be close to my daughter and wife. Then onto Oklohoma and now, here,” he finished his exhaustive list revealing that his time in Germany was the best in his career.
Forming a bedrock with Johnson
Since getting here, Juanan has wasted little time in becoming one of the quintessential cogs in Albert Roca’s side, having formed the bedrock, along with his defensive partner and friend John Johnson, of the Spaniard’s side that went to the AFC Cup final.
“His (Roca’s) mentality is good. Touch, go, run and get the ball. This is the Spanish style of football, which I am familiar with. I think many teams in the world are following the Spanish style of play because it’s beautiful football,” he opined.
Now, one week into his first I-League season, the 29-year-old is keen to continue the good form.
“It is very important to start with three points. I thought we played perfectly. The line between our defence and midfield was very good and the other team didn’t have many opportunities. But it was still the first game and we need to get better,” stressed the experienced defender.
And that is exactly what the former Fortuna Düsseldorf defender aims and hopes to lead his team to do. “I want to win the league. We are playing the AFC Champions League qualification also. It’s difficult (to qualify) but not impossible,” said the Spaniard.
