Facing Cristiano Ronaldo was incredibly tough: Aaron Hughes. File Picture[/caption]Internet Desk : Aaron Hughes, the man who led the side by an example to help his nation Northern Ireland to qualify for the recently concluded Euro Cup. A man who has been one of the greatest defenders to play in the Premier League. His stint with Newcastle United and Fulham were simply incredible for both the clubs. From the experience of facing Cristiano Ronaldo, the bitter memories of his career to his early life as a hockey player, Hughes told all the untold stories to www.xtratime.in an exclusive interview. Here goes the conversation:
XT: After playing more than 100 games for the Northern Ireland national team, what exactly tempted you to play in India?
Hughes: Just the reason for a new experience. I have played most of my career in England apart from the last season when I was in Melbourne. It's a new opportunity to try something new. This is going to be an experience I would have never imagined of. This league is competitive and just to justify me that I'm still good enough.
XT: Before coming to India, what were the ideas you had about Indian football?
Hughes: I didn't really know a lot about it. I watched a little bit of the last ISL just because I new a few guys who were playing in it. I was there in Australia I used to try and manage suppose twenty minutes to watch it. That is what I have seen about Indian football. So far I have tried to gel with my side and the attitude I have seen among the Indian guys have been really good. The desire to know and win something is definitely there among them. The skill levels are really good too. I hope in the years to go if the ISL becomes popular, bigger, I think the football will become even bigger in the country.
XT: You have had two long spells of your playing career in Newcastle United and Fulham. Which one is closer to your heart and why?
Hughes: I think I cannot separate them for different reasons. Newcastle was my first team and my wife is from there, my family is from there. I have some great experience there. Played Champions League for the club, Played under some great managers, some unbelievable players. When I moved to Fulham, definite by then I was a bit more experienced, it was such a good club, the people are fantastic. I had some great memories when I represented them in the Europa Cup final. Had a few great season for them. So it's really very very hard to pick one between these two. I don't think it will be fair to do so.
XT: You have played under a few great managers like Ruud Gullit, Bobby Robson, Harry Redknapp, Sammy Hyypia & Lawrie Sanchez. What are special qualities who have seen in them?
Hughes: I think for me, they all have the special hunger to succeed, that's have reached that level. Sir Bobby was a great manager. He really had the quality to motivate the players. Even before the opposition stepped onto the pitch, he could read the plans of the opposition. I think Roy Hodgson was a great manager. A great tactician. He could know whether you are half a yard out of position, an unbelievable quality. The education he had about the game was unbelievable. The names you mentioned, all have some different qualities but I always tried to learn from them.
XT: What has been the best and worst memory of your playing career?
Hughes: The best is of course the one I had experienced very recently, the Euros. In fact I have some great memories as I have played for some amazing teams. But to play the Euros is like the pinnacle of the achievements. The moment we defeated Ukraine. the emotions, the excitement was something will never forget.
Talking about the worst, well, again I have few of those. The first one which jumps into my mind was the Europa League final with Fulham. I still haven't watched the mach back! It still kills me so much. But again its was such a great experience to be a part of. But at the same time it was terrible as we lost the game.
XT: Your younger brother Ian, is a very fine field Hockey player. What exactly motivated you to play football in your childhood?
Hughes: Haha, yes he is. (laughs). Well football is the game everyone enjoys to play. In school, I used to play hockey as well as these two were the main sports we had. But I gave preference to football as everyone plays the sport. I used to play in schools, after schools, got back home from school and used to play. I got a hockey background as well but football had the possibility to give the bigger things and that's why I went for it.
XT: How big a strength Samantha is in your life?
Hughes: Family is everything, isn't it? You have highs and lows in your career but you need to have a family to support you all the way long. Everyone just sees the player on the pitch but there are so many things go on outside of football. And there you need the support from your family.
XT: Who has been the best footballer you have ever played with?
Hughes: Ah, it's too hard to answer. I have played with some absolute greats. Difficult to pick one from them. But I think it was Alan Shearer, to be the best English striker. A phenomenal player. But still, that one from the long list I can remember.
XT: You have been one of the best central defenders your country have ever produced. As a senior, how much do you rate Paddy McNair? What would be your advises for him?
Hughes: Paddy is gonna be a fantastic player. What I have seen so far, been in the national team I get to see him closely, he has got great ability to start with, but more importantly he has a great attitude and a great work ethics. Obviously, he has been from Manchester United and you need to have that special ability to be there. He has everything to become the Premier League player for the years to come and also for the national team.
XT: After your playing career do you want to be a manager? Which will be your dream club to manage?
Hughes: Well I don't know. Firstly I need to get those coaching certificates and then will see which opportunity comes on my way. But at the moment I am not thinking about my managerial career. My playing career is still on and I don't love to look too far ahead. I'm still experiencing the new challenges and may be I will think about that after my playing career gets over.
XT: As a defender, whom do you want to take on between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi? Who is better?
Hughes: Oh.. Hahaha (laughs). It's hard you know. Well I lucky as well as unlucky enough (laughs again) to play against Ronaldo. It was indeed incredibly tough afternoon. I haven't faced Messi as yet so, it is a tough one. Both are phenomenal players. Different styles but, appreciate both of them.
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