Dream has come true after signing with FC Goa: Princeton Rebello

Midfielder Princeton Rebello has signed a new long-term contract with FC Goa, keeping him in the orange of FC Goa till the summer of 2022.
The 20-year-old Goan lad has been with the club since 2017 and made his senior team debut in the Super Cup where he came on as a substitute in the quarter-final against Jamshedpur FC. He would do the same again in the semi-final win over Chennai City FC. Articulate on the ball, the Goan native was instrumental in helping the Developmental team to the Goa Professional League title.
In an interview with UNI, Princeton Rebello spoke about his transition from a young boy with a growing love for football to a professional football player with FC Goa.
When asked how did he start playing football?, Rebello said,”My mom says that ever since I was a toddler, I would go crazy if I saw a ball. I guess my love for football started there. I studied at St. Anne’s School in Benaulim and then at St. Jude’s School in Betalbatim. My first tournament was when I was around 10. We played for Ave Maria SC at the Fatorda stadium where we won that match. I remember that being the start of something amazing. From there on I played for the Betalbatim U12 team and then it just progressed into playing football regularly.”
About his journey from a young boy to being signed on a three-year contract with FC Goa, Rebello said he never imagined he would be signing a long term contract with a club and that too his home town club, FC Goa. ”When I got the offer I was beyond thrilled. I played for various clubs previously and I had tried out for a club or two in UK as well but I wanted to play for my country and state of Goa. I came back to Goa to pursue my dream. And now that dream has come true with the signing with FC Goa. There were times when I bunked school or college to play football. I stayed focused and worked hard to stay on the path which would lead to playing for India someday. My parents and sister sacrificed a lot for me to achieve my goals and dreams. During tough times I think of the sacrifices they have done and work harder. Football is everything to me and I am passionate about it.”
When asked what’s the one thing that motivated him to keep going forward, he said hard work and faith.
”Hard work and faith. I believe in giving my best when I’m on the field no matter what. Whichever team I have played for previously and now with FC Goa as well, I give 100 per cent when I’m on the field. It comes straight from my heart. I want to play and perform to the best of my ability in the years to come. It is impossible to expect rewards without hard work. I know the years I’ve spentworking consistently, training and waiting to reach here, where I am today.”
He said earlier he had signed with FC Goa’s Developmental team and now has moved on to the 1st Team.
Rebello said he learnt a lot in the past years from the coaches and players and playing and interacting with the national and international players had helped him a lot in developing his game and confidence. ”The guidance from experienced players helped me tremendously. And more importantly being coached by our head coach Sergio Lobera has been amazing. He taught me a lot, new techniques, new formations. Its a bit different from what we are used to but the Spanish flavour of tiki taka has grown on us as a team. The one thing I have learnt is to play together as a team. Togetherness wins us games and titles.”
When asked what advice he would like to give to Goa’s young footballers who wish to be in his shoes some day, Rebello said, ”I’d say to them, give your best because nothing comes easy. You have to invest time and patience. Give your very best and have faith in God. If you want something you have to put in the dedication and extra hours of work. You’ll face challenges along the way but always give your best.”
The young footballer said Cristiano Ronaldo was his favourite player.
”The hard work and dedication he (Ronaldo) puts in is second to none. I try and do the same when I am training. It is amazing to see how much Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved in all these years. There is no easy path to success and I am willing to do the same as Ronaldo,” Rebello signed off.