"The boys consider me like a father now and I get so much respect and affection from them that I don't even feel homesick anymore," Fernandes told PTI in an interview.
"Last year in June, my only daughter, Sochye, got married but I could not go because I had to be in the camp to train the boys for the Olympic Qualifiers (the World Championships in Azerbaijan). She is now settled in Mexico and is still waiting to meet me," he said.
The 56-year-old, who first joined the team in 1990, has picked up Hindi and learnt Bhangra as well.
"I feel like an Indian only but yes, I do miss my family sometimes. I sent my daughter a present on her wedding and she has told me that 'Papi I will build an academy for you in Mexico so that we can spend some time together'," he laughed.
He has been with the team in quite a few Olympics but a medal came through only in 2008. (MORE)
