Joao Victor discusses his contract extension, experience in the ISL with HFC and more…

Brazilian midfielder Joao Victor signed a two-year contract extension with the club a few days back. As he enjoys his time-off with family in Spain’s Balearic Islands, we caught up with him for a brief chat about his Indian Super League experience, the HFC squad next season and keeping busy in the off-season. 

On the quality of ISL…

I always knew it wouldn’t be easy. The league has a good level of football. Of course, there is a lot to improve on but I think it is moving in the right direction.

On the impact of the new overseas player rule on HFC…

I think last season we already played with three or four foreigners for most of the games due to injuries. The Indian players have already proved themselves last season and it is not going to be a new experience for the squad.

I think we as a team will be stronger as we have a good mix of youngsters and experienced players. We as foreigners will also help them and I hope we can have a better season.

His off-season routine…

Everything with family, every single day. We were away from family for almost six months due to the bio-bubbles and the new normal we live in. So there is nothing I want to do except enjoy my time off with them.

💫 A complete No 8⃣!

The numbers behind @JOAOVICTORBRUNO‘s all round 2020-21 @IndSuperLeague show why we are all excited for #Joao2023!#HyderabadFC💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/HdtqyBSrWu

— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) July 18, 2021

On keeping fit in the off-season…

I continue to train, as always. Of course, it is a long off-season and we need to train together soon. But with the experience of off-season routines all these years and with the help of our Strength and Conditioning Coach, Jose Carlos Barroso we hope to be fit for the start of the pre-season.

On the new additions at HFC…

Last year was amazing because we were all like a family. We never had problems with each other and mutual respect was the first rule. I hope this year is not too different. I have heard good things about the new guys and I hope together we can achieve our targets with Hyderabad FC.

On missing HFC…

We were a really close-knit group and made a lot of memories on and off the field. So, I think I miss everyone from our bio-bubble. Even the hotel staff when I can’t cook my own meals. It was a real nice season for all of us.

Message for the fans…

The fans can expect a lot of fight from us again, like last season. We are no longer a surprise; we have shown everyone what we can do and we are here to fight to be on the top.

Our supporters can also expect good football as that is our identity and the style we want to play. And I hope that the fans can show the same support again next season, if even if it is from afar.