Andre Moritz is among those who have had an immediate impact in India. Playing for Mumbai City, he remains the... Read More

MUMBAI: Andre Moritz is among those Brazilians who have had an immediate impact in India. Playing for Mumbai City FC, he remains the only player to have scored a hat-trick in the ISL . He explains his experience of playing with the great Nicolas Anelka and how things worked for him. Excerpts...

You and Anelka have hit it off like you were long-lost brothers. Your combination is delightful. Tell us more about it.

It is easy to play with somebody like Nicolas, he is an intelligent and experienced player who has played at the top level for long. I am delighted to be playing with him and hope we can get better every game.

One such moment when you and Nicolas stood close to each other and Nicolas gave you a glancing header as you tried to break past the Delhi defence. It was delightful little thought. Did you and Nicolas work on that move.

No, we have been training and trying our best during sessions. We have been trying to link as much as possible because we know that we are the nearest to the goal.

After such a bright start and the won erful hat-trick, you have hit a roadblock as far as goals are concerned. What has bothered you?

Nothing. My main job is not just scoring goals, it is providing goals and making the team flow.

India experienced an unusually hot October. Most Europeans struggled, but you seemed to have settled in as if you were born here. Are conditions similar in your country?

Yes. Brazil can be really hot. But I left Brazil when I was 18. I am out of Brazil for almost 9 years now and I was in London last two years and when I got here it was a shock because it was 10 degrees from where I left and when I landed in Kolkata, the temperature was 35 degrees at 9pm. When I first played here, for just 45 minutes I struggled as much as if I have been playing for three days.

Take us through the mood in the team after the 5-1 loss against Chennai.

I don't like to lose. After the Chennai defeat, it felt disgraceful. It was a poor display and we felt ashamed and wanted to improve in every sector. But thereafter we have been trying to improve with each training session. We have now gone five games without conceding a goal. Despite the series of draws, the confidence is high.

Are you keen to come back to play in the ISL next year.

I have a two-year contract with a South Korean club but I would love to play again in the ISL.