Jamshedpur, Sept. 3: Jamshedpur FC recently completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Alexandre Monteiro de Lima, fondly known as Alex. The 31-year-old spoke to the media after completing his move with the club. Here are some excerpts from the conversation:
On joining Jamshedpur FC�
I am extremely excited, honoured, and of course happy to be able to help the club reach the playoffs � and hopefully more. A long awaited and deserved goal for the amazing fans. I have played football across four continents. To now join this exciting league wearing the colours of one of the top teams of India makes me extremely proud. I can�t wait to meet my teammates. I want the fans of Jamshedpur to know that we are going to fight tooth and nail to win the ISL.
On his relationship with Owen Coyle and time with him at Houston Dynamo�
To be playing for Owen again is a great pleasure. Our time in Houston was intense. He is a coach with a strong personality who knows what he wants. I am happy to play the role of number 10 in his tactical system I will be distributing the ball, making the game but also fighting hard duels on both sides of the field.
On his football journey across the four continents�
Well I started very early with my father being my first coach. After my youth career years in Brazil, I jumped at the opportunity to play in Europe at the age of 19. During my time in Switzerland I learned a lot about discipline and that football is not only about playing pretty dribbles but also about hard work (and I also met my wife there ?).
When Chicago Fire showed interest in me, I was ready to play in the MLS. The league is still in its growing phase and I had a lot of fun playing for Chicago and later for Houston Dynamo, where I met Owen Coyle. In 2018 I left MLS for South Korea to experience a different part of the world and a different style of football.
On his experience of playing the Western Conference finals with Houston Dynamo in 2017�
Awesome memories of stadiums filled to the rim with a fantastic atmosphere. We had a good team with great spirit. It’s those kind of emotions we players live for.
On his expectations from the ISL and India�
It seems that everyone in football is now talking about ISL. I’ve been watching a lot of games of the last season to prepare myself. I love the enthusiasm of the fans. Although, unfortunately, this season I’m going to miss them at the stadium with the tournament scheduled behind closed doors in Goa.
On how he likes to play the game�
For me it is important to enjoy the game. To play attractive football, to move the ball forward, to score and to win games. And I leave the tactical work up to the Head Coach.
On the COVID-19 pandemic�
In any part of the world we must be careful in following the hygiene rules. The professional way ISL is dealing with the pandemic situation is exemplary. I haven’t arrived in India yet, but so far, I feel that the necessary precautions have been and will be taken to provide the safest possible environment.