ISL 2015: Interview with Kerala Blasters' Josu Currias and Bruno Perone

Kerala Blasters’ Bruno Perone and Josu Currias (Images courtesy of ISL)

We spot them from far (at least one of them) as they made their way towards us for the interview. The tall guy towering over everyone was Bruno Perone and as he stepped aside behind him was Josu Currias. The usual handshakes and introductions ensued after which Josu let us know (in a heavy Spanish accent) that he was here not just to answer questions but to also act as the occasional translator for Bruno.

A few Spanish words were exchanged between the hunks and they settled in to begin a round of questions and answers with Musafir.com.

The first big question, where are you guys from? Bruno: I’m from Brazil Josu: I’m from Spain, Barcelona

How different is this country from your hometown? Josu: It’s quite different, the people, the road, the food, the culture. Very different. Bruno: Yeah, yeah, very different, for me it’s the culture.

Bruno Perone and Josu Currias are well-travelled players in football

Where all has your football career taken you till now? Josu: So I’ve been in Barcelona, then I moved to Espanyol, then I move to Finland, I played in Italy, Poland and then here. So all over. Bruno: I played in Brazil, Spain, England, then back to Brazil and now in India.

You’ve been here on a tour for a while now, which was the city you’ve enjoyed the most? Josu: Mumbai Bruno: Yeah.

Are you only saying that because we’re here right now? (Both very enthusiastically) No, no, no. Josu: It’s because other places you can’t do too many things, but here it’s a big city. Many things to do.

So what’s been your best experience here in Mumbai? Josu: So yesterday, we went out, me and Bruno. We went to Colaba. Did some shopping. Bruno: Yeah, had Starbucks.

Your fan following has been increasing by the day, any crazy experiences? (Both look at each other and smile)Josu: Yeah yeah, there’s been some. They’re all the time messaging me on WhatsApp. I don’t give my number, yet they find out and text me. On Facebook and Instagram, I have many messages. One fan gave me a present, with all my photos.

Josu Currias of Kerala Blasters (Image courtesy of ISL)

Your football inspiration? One player you admire? Josu: There are many, but I think Messi. Bruno: David Luiz. (Josu rolls his eyes, not very pleased with his friend’s choice)

Shifting the focus from football and they’re experiences in India, we head into the familiar territory of travel.

Where all do you like to travel for vacations? (A quick Spanish translation takes places)Bruno: I’ve been to Maldives, it’s very good. I would like to visit Thailand. I love beaches. Josu: I like New York, it’s one of the places I will go soon, as soon as I can. But I love Barcelona, my town.

Any top 5 places on your travel bucket list? Josu: Yeah Yeah. Ney York, Maldives, Dubai, also Cancun and then the last one Miami maybe. Bruno: (Ponders for a while) Thailand and Paris, and New York.

Bruno Perone of Kerala Blasters in action (Image courtesy of ISL)

We’re personally big foodies, so we love this question, your favourite cuisine? Josu: I like Spanish food, and pasta. Pasta is my favourite dish. Bruno: Italian for me.

One destination you’d like to eventually settle down in, other than your home town. Josu: New York definitely. Lots of people, things to do. Bruno: To live? (he clarifies) America.

If not football, what would you guys be doing right now? Bruno: I don’t know, steal in Brazil. (Winks and laughs at his joke)Josu: (Laughing along) I don’t know, no backup plans. Maybe study, but I don’t think of my life without football.

So one last question, any pre-game ritual or superstition you follow? Josu: Yeah. I always enter the field with my right foot. Bruno: Superstition? I don’t have any. I just believe in God and I pray before the match.

Interview conducted by Sanjana Sule and Roshal Mascarenhas