After representing ATK and ATK Mohun Bagan in the previous two seasons of the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL), Spanish attacking midfielder Javi Hernandez has joined Odisha FC ahead of the upcoming edition in Goa. With experience under his belt both in European football as well as in the ISL, he desires to shine for the Juggernauts this year.

Speaking to the OFC Media Team in Goa, the 32-year-old expressed, “I am very happy to be here again in the Indian Super League and also at Odisha. I think that now we have a very good project this year with the staff and with all the players. I am very happy to be here in India again in my third year. We will fight hard to do as good as we can in the ISL games.”

When asked about the coaching staff that the Club has for the season, he commented, “Before working with them (Head Coach Kiko Ramirez and Asst Coach Kino Garcia), I had asked many players who have worked with them before and they all told very good things about them. The Coaches have very good experience in different leagues and also, we have many Indian young players and experienced foreigners so I think that it will be a very good season for us.”

After his youth career at CDF Pizarrales, Salamanca, and Real Madrid, the Spaniard made his senior debut for Real Madrid B and then played for various Spanish clubs before joining Romanian professional club ACS Poli Timisoara. He has played 37 matches in the Hero ISL and even scored two goals in the final of the 2019-20 season against Chennaiyin FC. Apart from that, he has also represented the Spanish U-19 national team.

Javi was the first foreigner to join the pre-season training camp and is quite impressed with the young Indian contingent at the Club.
“Within these few days, I can see a lot of good Indian players, young players. More foreigners having experience at a good level will also join soon. I think we have a very good team, the Spaniard mentioned.
   

“Not only Jonathas, Aridai is a very good player, Hector also, Victor as well. Liridon, I don’t know (personally) but for sure he is also a good player. I think we have very experienced and big players who have played in different leagues at top levels. For sure, they will lift our level and that will be very good for the team.”

He also had some very good things to tell about Indian football and how it is improving day by day. “I think the Indian Super League and Indian football is improving year by year. The level of football in India is getting better year by year. I expect this year to have a better level even than last season,” Javi stated.

Talking about Odisha FC’s International Club Partnership with Watford FC, the Spaniard asserted, “This is a huge thing for the club and also for Indian football in total. It is a Premier League team. As I told you, it’s a huge thing not only for Odisha but for all the clubs here and for all the Indians. I am very happy for this.”

Speaking about the OFC fans, he concluded by saying, “I think this year again, we can’t feel them on the stands but for sure, they will be with us and we will give our best for them. We hope to win a lot of games for us and for them in this season.”