Nestor Dias Opens up About his Dev Team Journey and Future Plans

GOA:
The FC Goa Developmental Team continues to impress with its flashy brand of football and results to match, and the players that make the team tick are completely on board with the operation at hand.

Anchoring midfield for the young Gaurs is Nestor Dias, who has grown leaps and bounds in his short FC Goa career, and is shooting for the stars in regards to his future. Buoyed by a solid season of football in the Goa Professional League and the Hero 2nd Division League, Nestor is keen to get back to football quickly and prove his worth to the club.

As he recalls, the journey to the FC Goa Dev Team began in the academy of Dempo SC, and was the building blocks behind the man who makes our midfield great today.

“Starting at a young age and learning at the academy was very important for me. I learnt and understood the game early and it helped me become the player I am today”.

Nestor’s run in Dempo was sweet, but it got sweeter once the midfielder was scouted by the Gaurs, and he recalls it being a surreal experience in more ways than one. “Dempo was playing FC Goa in one of the games, and I remember scoring the equaliser in that game, and following that I received a call from FC Goa about their interest in me.

“I immediately said yes but I was really surprised that they called me and I was sure I wanted to join the club.” Nestor seamlessly integrated himself into the club, and received words of advice from his coaches that he holds dear even today.

“Coach Clifford (Miranda) and Coach Derrick (Pereira) really helped me improve my game. They motivated me to work hard in certain positions and it helped me grow as a midfielder. Their advice has been key to my development.”

The 21-year-old has shared the pitch with the likes of Princeton Rebello and Saviour Gama, both of whom have now made it to the first team, and the day may not be far that Nestor himself receives a call up to the seniors.

“It’s so good to see them play on TV. I feel very happy when they perform well and it motivates me to be in the same position one day and I work hard with the aim that I’ll be there too.”

Nestor may have some buddies in the first team now, but he hasn’t been shy about a conversation or two with some of the more established FC Goa stars, including one with his idol Lenny Rodrigues.

“Lenny’s advice always stays with me. He told me not to be afraid of receiving the ball and told me I was a good player. He remains the player I look up to and try to emulate.”

Despite the current circumstances surrounding the pandemic, Nestor remains upbeat about making a comeback soon, and shared a message for all FC Goa fans keen to see their favourite stars return.

“Fans are our 12th man and we need them to stay strong. Please stay indoors and stay safe and once we are back playing, we will pay you back.”

Hopes are that football will return sooner rather than later, and fans can get the pleasure of seeing talented players such as Nestor Dias do what they do best, and help the Gaurs achieve more glory in the near future.