CANALES: "I AM PLEASED TO HAVE COME TO AZERBAIJAN"

Nicolas Canales, the Chilean signing of FC Neftchi, a club that has proved successful in the Europa League, has scored 20 goals in the national championship, becoming a nightmare for the club's opponents. Adding to his tally three goals in European competitions, the Chilean continues to demonstrate excellent game. After FC Neftchi's victory in a principled game with FC Inter, we decided to meet with the Chilean footballer. Canales's interview with R+ will be remembered by some interesting revelations.

- Nicolas, you are the most prolific striker in the Azerbaijan premiere league. Did you expect to be so successful in Azerbaijan?

- To be honest, the beginning was not so rosy. Even though I scored a goal in my opening match for Neftchi, the next eight games were goalless for me. I was even criticized. The best scorer of the previous season was my teammate. But he is injured now, so all eyes were on me. The only requirement was to score. For two months it was very difficult. Fortunately, my coach encouraged me all along. I began to play more confidently, found my game and started to score.

- So the coach's confidence proved crucial …

- Boyukaga Haciyev made an enormous contribution to the achievements of Neftchi. His confidence has helped me play even better. The coach has to believe in his players in difficult moments. He has repeated many times that he has confidence in me. Now I am happy to have lived up to his trust. There is hard work ahead of us. I dream of our team winning the championship. Only then can we breathe freely.

- Neftchi did not qualify from its group in the Europa League, but managed to score two goals against Italy's Inter …

- Those were interesting games. I have played in 12 Champions League and Europa League games. I think we could not qualify into the next stage due to a lack of experience. In any case, by reaching the group stage of the Europa League, Neftchi opened a new page in the history of Azerbaijani football. Many did not believe in us. But our team won the hearts of many fans by its beautiful game. I still remember the away game with Inter in Italy. The Italians have some quality players. But Neftchi fought with dignity and got a draw. Although I am happy to have scored against such a team as Inter, the main thing for me is the success of the team.

- Can the goals scored attract the attention of the Chilean national team coaches?

- Although I am not inclined to indulge in rainbow dreams, I will be happy to be selected for the national team. But there are probably better players than me. Featuring for the Chilean national team are players from Spanish and Italian clubs. Therefore the coach's choice is quite understandable.

- So you have not been selected because these goals were not scored in Europe's top leagues?

- Right. The Azerbaijani championship can not compare to those of Spain or Italy. But your league also has strong players. There are players from Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, etc. The level of the championship increases every year.

- You are currently the best striker of the league with 20 goals. Did you score as much in Chile? 

- A striker must score. Therefore, I try to score as much as I can. In Chile, I was able to score 10-15 goals a season. The final stage of the championship lies ahead and I will try to increase my tally. The main thing is that they bring Neftchi victories. Otherwise, they will not delight me.

- Before your move to Neftchi, your Uzbek colleague Bahodir Nasimov was the team's best striker. But he has struggled with his form since being injured ...

- We are both forwards. If I play, he is on the bench. And the other way round. We play in the same position. Nasimov is a good footballer. He has simply not reached his former shape. This should be seen normally. Any footballer needs time to recover.

- Do you believe that Neftchi can become a champion for the third consecutive time?

- Of course, I do. It is difficult to win without confidence. Confidence is half of the victory. The whole team considers this a primary goal. And as a member of Neftchi I must do everything in my power to achieve success.

- Can Neftchi reach the group stage of the Europa League again?

- Our champion will start the European competitions with the Champions League, not with the Europa League. By becoming champions, we will have the opportunity to play against the most authoritative European teams. It is necessary to make the best of this chance.  

- Is it difficult for a footballer from Chile to live in Azerbaijan?

- I got used to Azerbaijan very quickly. I am happy to be here. Our team has several players from South America. While playing for Benfica, I learned Portuguese, so I can easily communicate with them. Sometimes we go for a walk about the city. Baku is a modern and beautiful city. Living here is interesting.

- What can you say about Azerbaijanis?

- I have already made friends with my Azerbaijani teammates. Your people are very friendly. It feels that you like to entertain guests. Your people are very hospitable. This is the most positive feature.

- You are here all by yourself. Why don't your family members join you?

- I am here to play football. Therefore, it will be better if they stay in Chile. Then all my thoughts will be focused on football. The most important championship games are beginning. I only think about the game. When we become champions, I will go to Chile for a vacation.

- What surprised you the most in Azerbaijan?

- I was pleasantly surprised by people's love of sport, especially football. Neftchi has a lot of fans. A lot is being done for the development of football. New stadiums are under construction. Each club has junior teams. In the future, you will have very strong local players. This requires time and patience.