ISL 2022-23: I think this season will be the best for the Chennai people – Chennaiyin FC forward Vincy Barretto

Chennaiyin FC’s new signing Vincy Barretto believes the upcoming season of the Hero Indian Super League 2022-23 will be the best for Chennai people. The Marina Machans won their last ISL title back in the 2017-18 season and since then they haven’t been able to go all the way in the tournament.

However, the two-time ISL champions have added a lot of new players in their squad for the next season and they will be looking to add value to the team.

Meanwhile, Barretto scored two goals for Kerala Blasters FC in his 17 appearances and scored one of the best goals of the season against eventual champions Hyderabad FC in a league game in ISL 2021-22 season.

Furthermore, the youngster was able to impress one and all with his performances in the maiden season of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). He scored three goals in seven matches for the Blasters.

Barretto had earlier played for Dempo FC and he is known for his express speed in the midfield. The young gun is delighted to join Marina Machans.

Vincy Barretto said while talking to Sportskeeda: “I’m so happy to be here. For me, it’s a different challenge and [the chance to play with] different people from different places. I’m very excited, so happy to be part of Chennaiyin FC.”

“I think this season will be the best for the Chennai people. They will be behind us and support us for sure. Last season, everyone was in bubbles, couldn’t meet their families. Maybe because of that, these two years [were difficult]. But I think this season will be the best and people will smile a lot.”

Meanwhile, the last two seasons of the Hero ISL have been played behind closed doors due to Covid-19 pandemic. However, the fans will return to the stadium in the upcoming season and Barretto added the supporters will also push them in their matches, which will help them.

“Last season, was very good but still, we were in a bubble till the final when the fans came. This year, I know the Chennaiyin fans will come and support us the way Kerala fans did. We can go to new places, play home and away, the Chennai people will follow us and I’m so excited for that.”

“When the fans are with us, they follow us, support us from their hearts. When they are there, we can push a lot more and the fans behind us will say ‘come on’ and for me, it’s no pressure at all.”

The 22-year-old from Goa revealed that he was excited and confident when he got the opportunity to play for the Tuskers in the previous season.

“I wasn’t nervous, I had confidence in myself. I was too excited to play the game, prove myself and do what I can for the team. So I was ready for the match. I wasn’t scared and I knew I would give my best.”