Aridane looks back upon his time at Hyderabad FC…

With a smile that can make your day to words that can uplift you every day, Spanish striker Aridane Santana had a real impact on the Hyderabad FC squad in the 2020-21 Indian Super League season.

He registered 10 goals (currently a club record) and two assists, in 18 starts last season winning six ‘Hero of the Match’ awards along with a ‘HFC Player of the Month’ award for February while helping Manolo Marquez’s side to a fifth-place finish in the league. During the off-season, the burly Spaniard joined UD Logroñés and will play in the Spanish third division next season.

Having formed lasting bonds with most people in the squad, here is what our former captain and No. 9 had to say of his memorable campaign with Hyderabad…

On playing in Yellow and Black…

Every day that I spent with the club and the squad are really memorable. If I had to sum up my experience, I would say that my time with Hyderabad FC was spectacular in every way for me.

On the team bonding last season…

I think in the bio-bubble, we were all living as a large family, which was the key. There was mutual respect and desire to learn and improve and that kept us driving. It was not just the players, we had a very good relationship with the technical, coaching and medical staff, and everyone involved with the club as well.

On leading a young squad…

I wanted to help the youngsters with my experience and teach them what I had learned over all these years. I tried my best to do the same, and be mates with everyone, which went really well for all of us.

Man mountain, leader and a consistent goal scorer 💪

🎥 A look at Aridane Santana’s exploits for @HydFCOfficial 🟡⚫#HeroISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/eatOerlgg4

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) July 24, 2021

On his most memorable moment with HFC…

If I am being honest, there was no particular moment as such. Every day, staying together and training as a unit in a bubble was the best part of the season. We had a routine for almost six months. But staying together made it a really memorable experience.

On his favourite goal…

There are so many goals. But I think every goal I scored in a Hyderabad FC shirt was important for the team and for me. So I can’t pick just one goal!

Message for the fans…

I hope you will all be able to see your favourite team and players in stadiums soon. Although from far, your support really helped us a lot during the season. Every positive message and comment really motivated us. Keep showing the team the same support, because it means a lot to every footballer.

Message for the squad…

Hyderabad FC have a real good combination of youngsters and experienced players, with a really good coach in Manolo Marquez. I would like to wish them the very best for the next season and will try to watch as many Hyderabad FC games as I can.