(This interview was first published by Firstpost.com)
From saving shots by Sergio Aguero to playing in Italy to the Indian Super League - did you ever think life would turn out this way?
For me, ISL is quite a big tournament as big international players are also participating in this tournament. Maybe Aguero and Messi are not here but big names of European football with huge careers have taken decisions like me to play in India. So I believe its not a bad step for my career to come to India.
Before coming to India, you must have had some idea of the kind of football they played here - did you? Does it match up to reality?
Actually I have never seen much about Indian Football having lived most of my life in Europe. I did not have too much expectations on the standard here, but I believe there is much potential in India.
Greek football has often surprised bigger teams with it's brand of tough, resilient football. How important is it for a team to have a national style?
The Greek National team has huge successes in World Football in the last 15-16 years. It's not just luck that brings a good result for our games but our brilliant performances are a result of our hard work. Also, the Greek National team is ranked no. 10 in FIFA World Rankings.
What do you make of the Indian youngsters?
I believe all of them are great and hard working players. They are quick learners and also have big talent. Indian Players in our squad, have for the first time opportunity work in European level because Coaches Ricki and Lee have international experience in high level football. In addition, international players have huge responsibility to transfer our knowledge and experience on and off pitch to prepare them for the next step in their careers be it International or national. I wish all my team mates in NEUFC to become national players and have a great career.
You still just 32. Relatively young for a keeper -- we have seen Friedel and others maintain a really high standard into the 40s. What is the most important thing for a goalkeeper?
I hope to be healthy until I finish my career. I have never had any injuries throughout my career and hence I prefer to take one step at a time. But, maybe I play for NEUFC for more than 8 years. Why not? The most important thing for a goalkeeper is to keep working hard everyday because the goalkeeping position is the most difficult in football as we must be very strong mentally, and also physically strong. Also, one mistake from a goalkeeper can decide the result of the match as they will be helpless in the end.
The Greece national side is under former Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri. Are they planning to track your performance or is it necessary to be in Europe?
I believe all National team Coaches selection process is to track players playing in big championships/ leagues and that because these championships are in the highest level, so if a player needs to be ready for Euros or World Cups, they must be prepared via high level competitions.
Having Ricki Herbert -- who took NZ to the World Cup -- can be big for you guys... what is the role a coach will play in the ISL?
Having Ricki Herbert in the team with World Cup experience is a big advantage to the team. As mentioned earlier, for Indian players it is a massive benefit in their careers. The role of a coach is football is the most important everywhere. Coach is the boss, he manages everything and makes all the decisions.
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