Risky move but wanted a different challenge: Pol Moreno

Panaji: Pol Moreno is much-loved at Racing de Santander where he spent the last four years.
With almost 100 games and nearly 7,000 minutes in a Racing shirt, it was no surprise that there was an outpouring of affection when news of the centre-back's decision to leave the club became official. Joining the Spanish second tier club, the player said, “was probably the best sporting decision I've ever made in my life,” so imagine how hard it would have been to accept the offer from FC Goa and dive into Indian football.
“With my age, it might be a risky move given the situation I was in, but it's something that I wanted to do,” Moreno told TOI after a training session at Bambolim on Monday. “My family and I were very keen to make this move, try and take on a different challenge. At Racing, I didn’t get to play as much as I wanted. To come here and be able to do that is something I love. That’s one of the principal reasons why I made the move.”
Of course, it helped the 31-year-old defender that there’s heavy Spanish influence at Goa. The coaching staff is Spanish, there are four other Spanish players in the team, including the likes of Javier Siverio, Borja Herrera and Iker Guarrotxena, who have spent enough time in India. But the one whose advice proved crucial is Edu Bedia, the former Goa midfielder and club legend.
Edu, Racing Santander’s youth product, is now in-charge of the Spanish club’s international operations.
“He spoke wonderfully well about the atmosphere at FC Goa and the ISL in general . Obviously that provided me with some calm, knowing it comes from someone who spent six years here, with his family. Getting references (from others) about how well the club and country functions in terms of football, always makes a positive impact in ensuring there is peace of mind when you sign here,” said Moreno.
At Goa, Moreno replaced club captain Odei Onaindia, someone who hardly put a foot wrong in the two years that he spent at the club. Whether on or off the field, the Spanish defender always led by example.
Moreno is experienced enough to know what’s expected of him. He’s getting into the groove but admits he was taken aback when he first set foot on Indian soil.
“Given such a wide contrast between the culture and people in the two countries, it does take a little bit of time to adapt,” said Moreno. “During the first couple of days, there was a little bit of shock seeing the amount of poverty that there was around, the demeanour of people and how they interact with you on a day-to-day basis. I've been here for a month now and able to adapt, understand people, and their customs. The more time I spend here, the more I enjoy it.”
On the field, Moreno has been pleasantly surprised with the domestic players catching his eye during pre-season.
“It’s a good level to work and then move forward. I think, as foreigners, we need to do more; not just the coaches but as players too. We are coming here not only to play but also pass on whatever we have learned (at a higher level) to the players and everyone around us,” said Moreno.