Nicolas Velez will be one of the most watched strikers in the upcoming ISL season. The 26-year old’s diminutive frame helps him change directions at rapid speeds. Last season, he was a livewire for NorthEast United up front. With a couple of teams looking to sign the Argentine forward, John Abraham was quick to lure him back to the club for the 2016 edition.
Nico is currently busy with preseason preparations but he made time for Sportskeeda at club owner, John Abraham’s office in Mumbai.
So Nico, why did you decide to resign with NorthEast United?
I got a few call from other clubs too. But the reason why I am here is because I feel like its home. For me that’s the most important thing in football. If you are in one place where you are happy, you will perform well. For the love of the fans as well because they support me a lot. So that’s very important. This was one of the big reasons why I am here.
Did John Abraham call you and convince you to join the club again?
Yes, I spoke to John for a few times every week. Even sporting director, Ardeshir Jeejeebhoy. We were in touch for almost throughout the year. But yes, the last call, John made. You don’t need to talk with him for more than five minutes to decide to come back here.
Last season you scored 5 goals in 14 matches. What’s the target this year?
Try to score more goals than last season. Last season I had many chances to score more goals. But football is like that. Sometimes referee mistakes also play a part. He gave me 2-3 offside decisions which were onside. This is part of football.
So I try to improve myself and train every single day to improve my finishing and help the team as much as I can. No, I don’t have a number (goals) that I have in mind. Just want to help the team by scoring goals and assisting as well.
Last time when I spoke to John Abraham, he said he wanted to better the striker’s department. So is there going to be added pressure on you?
Yes, but everyone has pressure. The defenders have to defend. Goalkeeper has to save. I am a striker so I need to score goals. It’s not only me. We have a few more players that can do this job as well. Even the Indian players, I think we have a big squad and the pressure is on everyone.
As a striker, do you also get joy from providing assists?
Of course. My job is to try to help the team as much as I can. Doesn’t matter if I score goals or I assist. If the team wins, that’s what’s important. We want to make the playoffs this year. I just want to win the title this season.
What’s different about playing at the North East United stadium? Compared to the clubs you’ve played for before.
The fans are everything. We play with no less than 25,000 people in the stadium every game. Doesn’t matter if we win or lose, they just keep supporting us. This for us is very important. Everywhere where we play, even away, we can feel the support from the fans.
What do you like doing when you’re not playing football?
Listen to music, play FIFA on the PlayStation. I try to enjoy with my family when I am in Argentina. When my son comes to the country where I am at the moment, we try to enjoy those moments.
You have a lot of tattoos.
Yeah, I have many tattoos. This one on the left arm is a religion tattoo - Mother Maria and Jesus. On my right arm, I have my grandfather and my grandmother. I also have my son’s name tattooed. My mother as well. I like tattoos. I will do more (laughs).
What’s the pre-season like?
It’s going to be very important. I think we’re going in 2-3 days to South Africa. This time, it will be very important for us to get to know each other. We’ll play some friendly games over there. Then we will come back to Guwahati and try to finish our preparations for the first game.
Kolkata, Goa look really strong this season. Are they the favourites?
I don’t try and think about other teams. I just focus on my team. Everyone will start from the beginning. Of course, Kolkata has very good players. I think they’ve retained 3-4 of their players. Pune also looks very strong this season. In football anything can happen.
How’s John Abraham as an owner?
He is like a friend. From last season, he welcomed me and I really appreciate it. From the first day, he gave me confidence and after that we were in touch almost all year. He always says he wants me to be in North East United. I tell him I feel at home here.
We have a very very good relationship. Even the staff helped me a lot when I first came here. I will never forget it. That why when I had to choose my club this season, I chose North East United.
Where do you like playing the most? Which strikers have impressed you?
I prefer to play as a second striker. But I have no problem if I have to play at the centre. I played centrally last year for a few games. So I can do that. I like to be free upfront. I like Mendoza from Chennai and Iain Hume from Atletico de Kolkata. Both of them are very strong and fast.
They have a good technique and finish well. They were the best two strikers for me in the league. But there are many good players in the league. Bruno Arias was a very important player for us last season. I don’t want to forget anyone but for me these are the players.
