I want to be a champion again with CFC: Augusto

“I personally want to be a champion again. We are aiming to replicate the feat we had achieved in 2015 under Marco Materazzi. All the members of the squad are working towards it,” said the 26-year-old. The flamboyant midfielder had a brief chat with DT Next, with skipper Henrique Sereno donning the hat of an interpreter. 

The former Legia Warsaw man was delighted with how the team’s backroom staff dealt with the transfer market. “I’m happy that Chennaiyin FC trumped in its transfer targets. Being a midfielder, it feels nice to be surrounded by creative playmakers (referring to Rene Mihelic and Jaime Gavilan),” added the title-winner of ISL Season 2. 

Commenting on the extension of the league duration from two and a half to four months, he said, “We have lost big players like (Florent) Malouda and (Diego) Forlan in this process. It will take at least a year’s time to assess the effects the longer league has had on the standards of the Indian players.” 

The Brazilian has captivated the local enthusiasts with his smooth passing in the heart of the midfield. 

Asked if being a ‘fan favourite’ adds a bit of pressure to his game, the central attacking midfielder replied, “The support from the fans have only motivated me to perform better on every match day. I feel more responsible now as I have been associated with CFC for the past three years.” 

When queried about the inclusion of any new skills to his arsenal, he added, “I just try to enhance my level, which I have already worked out during pre-season. I have made no new additions to my existing game.” 

Fluminense Football Club’s loss turned out to be Chennaiyin’s gain. Augusto, who was sparingly used by the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A side, signed a contract with the Vita Dani coowned outfit until 2019. 

“I have enjoyed my time in the ISL during my previous spells with CFC. The club was interested in extending my contract and it wasn’t a tough decision for me to complete the paper work,” signed off Raphael Augusto.