Alexandros Tzorvas arrives in India to join the NorthEast United Football Club

14th September 2014

As the ISL starting line inches closer in sight, The North East United FC comes together one player at a time. On Saturday, the 13th of September 2014 the club received one of their key international players - Alexandros Tzorvas who landed in Mumbai on his onward journey to the team training camp.

Tzorvas is known to be one of the most well known goalkeepers worldwide. He was the first choice goalkeeper for his country in The 2010 FIFA World Cup and again during the UEFA Euro 2012. He is now been signed as one of the key goalkeepers on the NEUFC side .When asked about his thoughts on playing the Hero ISL he stated ‘ I am excited to be playing for the NEUFC and look forward to a good season on a new turf with my new teammates. Also I hear that football as a game has a huge fan following especially in the North East and look forward to a new learning under the guidance of Coach Ricki Herbert. I am sure we will all work together and bring success for the club. Moreover I would like to thank all the people of the club for giving me this opportunity. Lastly I am proud to be the first Greek player to play in India and hope I am not the last.”

One by one the troupes of the North East side are slowly coming together for the inaugural season of the Hero ISL. On Tzorvas being a part of the club Herbert stated, ‘It is with great excitement, that North East United has secured the services of Tzorvas to the player squad. Tzorvas will bring a wealth of experience and confidence to the North East United environment, thus enhancing the very strong philosophy of the football club in creating an exciting and enthusiastic brand, with a very youthful component. His World Cup experience in 2010, and the volume of International appearances he has made, can only be of a strong and positive benefit to the Franchise.’

The clubs two young Indian signings 21 year old Rehenesh Paramba and 20 year old Kunzung Bhutia will be the other two goalkeepers for NEUFC and are fortunate to have someone like a Tzorvas to learn from. . Coach Ricki Herbert adds, ‘The opportunity for two Indian Goalkeepers to work alongside him, will certainly offer them both a great deal of development. I look forward to his arrival and the chance to work with him during the inaugural season of India Super League.’

When asked about whether he would explore India post the ISL Tzorvas commented. “I love communicating and understanding the culture of the country, so if time does permit me from my club commitments I would surely like to take my wife to the Taj Mahal. On this note we hope that NEUFC has a good season at this Hero ISL.”

NorthEast United FC's Greek goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas took part in a Live Q&A session on NorthEast United FC’s Facebook page today, interacting with hundreds of the club’s fans who asked him all sorts of questions! We've selected the best from the session for you to read below:

Q: Have you heard about the North East?
- Megan S Bareh
A: Yes, of course. And I look forward to being there soon.

Q: What difference do you see between Indian and Greek football?
- Ravi Singh Sikarwar
A: We haven't started playing yet, so I can answer this after two months!

Q: What do you feel about India's climate?
- Jesse Mahni Hmasial
A: The weather is very much like a Greek summer. But I am told that the North East will be pleasant.

Q: How do you feel being part of NorthEast United?
- Nzanthung L Tungoe
A: I feel like I am coming to a nice family with a lot of teammates from India and other countries. So we will play together as one and give it our best!

Q: Hi Alex, how do you like Indian food?
- Pantelis Titopoulos
A: You should go check out @NEUtdFC on Instagram. I have a video response for you!

Q: Do you believe that we can win the title?
- Kelhou E Chielie
A: Yes I do. We all are in it to win it!

Q: Can India play in the World Cup in the future?
- Sumit Sarkar
A: I think so. It will give immense happiness to the fans as well. So let's hope so!

Q: Do you think NorthEast United will give opportunities to youngsters?
- Wungreitha Shangjam
A: I hear that we're the youngest side in the league. So there it is! Opportunity!

Q: What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of India?
- Dinku Neog
A: Bollywood, Taj Mahal to name a few!

Q: What has been the biggest footballing moment of your career?
- Debarghya Pal
A: A playoff game against Ukraine in the qualification rounds of World Cup 2010.

Q: Do you think that the ISL will spur on Indian football?
- Sujay Saundatti
A: Of course! A lot of big names have come in to play in this championship and it can create something good!

Q: You are representing the expectations of eight states. That's unique for a club. How excited are you?
- Vikas Atri
A: It's exciting because it means more support, more cheers and more to play for.

Q: Do Indian footballers have talent?
- Abdul Mabood
A: Of course! Around the world you can find talented footballers! India is no exception!

Q: How will you make other players coordinate with you?
- Rahul Nambi Villa
A: Football is a common language between nations and I think we will kick off well on the field!

Q: Which is your favourite club?
- Emmanuel Benia Tanti
A: Always Panathinaikos. I spent 20 years of my life there and it will forever be in my heart.

(Courtesy: www.indiansuperleague.com)