NorthEast United's Koke relishing his time in Indian Super League

"Koke... Koke... Koke... Koke..."

Each cry louder than the first. A few moments after scoring NorthEast United's first goal of the Indian Super League, Koke closed his eyes and let the cheers wash over him. It was his version of footballing heaven.

His imagination carried him to Spain and he was playing one of the big games, the crowd was going mad and he was high on the adulation. When he opened his eyes, he gave himself a quiet 'Welcome to India' and told himself he could get used to this.

"It surprised me. It was unreal. We came to India and were not quite sure of what to expect. But to see a houseful crowd in Guwahati, cheering like mad was quite an experience. It reminded me of level of involvement we have in the big games in Spain. It was slightly unbelievable but it felt great," said Koke over the phone.

In his time as a footballer -- Koke has seen it all. He has played in Spain, France, Portugal, Greece, the United States, Azerbaijan, Germany, Bolivia and India. He has played as a striker and as a number 10. He has spent some time in big clubs and some time without a club. The constant travel, the different countries, the challenge posed by all the languages, the insecurity -- it has all been very real for him.

"To be honest, I was not thinking of playing till January. After that maybe I would have gone to America. But they gave me this offer and I made my decision."

Some might think the decision was all about the money but for Koke it was always only about having the opportunity to play the game.

"I left my country when I was 19 year old for a chance to play in France. To move away from family and home at such an early age is not easy. We are also human, we also miss our families and friends. But it was my dream to play football, it was my dream to have a life full of football. And I thank God everyday that I have been able to live out that dream."

"So even when I decided to come to India, it came down to having a chance to play football or rest at home. As usual, I couldn't think beyond football."

Koke has been a vital cog in the NorthEast United machinery. He often ends up making the telling pass and his languid presence in the middle adds a touch of class to the team.

"I was not in the middle of training full time when the offer came my way, so I am still making my way to full fitness and with every match am feeling better. It is all a work in progress. The same is true of the Indian players in the team.

"When I saw them for the first time, they were completely different players. They didn't understand tactics. And now, in just two months, they have become much better. But now players like Durga (Boro), Robin (Gurung) and others have picked up their play. It just shows that they need to play against better competition. They need to push themselves... they need to do it if they really love football."

"The scouts are watching this and hopefully someone likes what I am doing or maybe I will find something in America again. But this is a great opportunity for Indian players as well. If they are really good, they might get a chance to play somewhere -- maybe not Europe but certainly in Asia."

For any country to make its way to the top -- it needs a generation of really good footballers and to get that generation -- you need a starting point. The ISL can be that starting point for India.

"Everything about the ISL -- the atmosphere, the fans, the players -- has been great. The fans of NorthEast United make us proud. And if you have that kind of backing, there is no reason for a team... for a country to not do well."

Koke doesn't quite know where he will go after the ISL. He doesn't have a contract that links him to a club. He will be back on the road again, looking for another place to play football in, living the life of a footballing nomad.

To many in India -- that might sound like a lot of fun.