PERNEM
Ulysse de Vergi Fernandes, a French citizen of Goan origin, will step into the world of professional football on August 16 after being selected to be part of the FC Porto U-17 squad in Portugal.
Ulysse who was born in Paris in 2009, is son of Gilbert Fernandes, owner of a restaurant in Morjim. Gilbert's 15-year-old son has yet to cross many milestones.
Ulysse has been playing for the past eight years. A player on the left wing, he started playing in Goa in his first team, Green Meadow School at Saligao and his passion for scoring goals was seen at a young age. He was even awarded in the Little Goa League for this feat.
His love for football peaked after watching his father and cousin play the game. His interest led him to join them. He soon learnt the basics of the game.
Lionel Messi being his favourite player, Ulysse is very impressed by the Argentina football legend’s skills. “Though Messi is getting old, he is still the best,” says Ulysse who practices daily to shoot, as it is the prime requirement of any young player. He works on his stamina and exercises on a regular basis.
Speaking his mind, he expressed, “I would like to go to France to play. Presently, I am selected for U-17 squad which does not guarantee me a place in the first squad. I will have to show them my skills to justify my place. I don’t see myself coming back to Goa.”
Speaking on the selection process, Ulysse said that he had to train along with the team for a week. “They made various calculations and evaluated me,” he said, and admitted that he was a little afraid, because this was a big step in his career. His club in Goa, Dempo SC, encouraged him to make the FC Porto move as he was told that being an OCI, he would not be able to play in the National League.
Ulysse along with his father Gilbert and his French mother went to Andorra and were introduced to the owner of Inter Escalade but the problem was, that the instructions of the school was in Spanish. Then Ulysse was told to contact FC Porto by Goa Football Association president Caitano Fernandes. Ulysse met the concerned person at the club and practised for two weeks with FC Porto. They saw potential in him and said yes.
Gilbert said his son found an international school to complete his education till SSC. He likes to help in demanding situations as his son is a good student and scores well in all subjects. His capability came to the fore when he was to go to France for summer camp, organised by former French international Dominique Rocheteau. He got the best player award for two summer camps.
