Bengaluru FC emerged victorious in their maiden Hero Indian Super League (ISL) fixture with a 2-0 win over Mumbai City FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday. Sunil Chhetri led the Blues against his former side and scored late on in the game. Post the match, India’s captain spoke to indiansuperleague.com and shared his thoughts on the game. Excerpts from the interview:

Sunil, how proud are you leading Bengaluru FC to their first ever Hero ISL victory?

I am very proud to be the captain of Bengaluru FC. Not just this year, but over the five years that I have been the captain and player here. So, really happy, to be part of Bengaluru and thank God, we started on a winning note. It was not easy. Mumbai is a great side, they defended really well, and it was difficult for us to break them down. But I am very, very happy to be on the winning side today.

What are your thoughts on this particular fixture? How did you all plan, going into this game?

We did our homework. Few of us have played for Mumbai City. But trust me, it was difficult for us on the pitch. They defended really well and deep, so it was not easy. So, to get the three points after a long fight over 90 minutes is really pleasing.

You said some of you have played for Mumbai City. How was it scoring against your former club?

It’s all right. I did not celebrate as a mark of respect for playing at Mumbai City FC. I loved my stint there and I wish them luck. But today is Bengaluru’s day, so I am really happy.

What do you have to say about the fans who turned up in numbers today?

They are brilliant, and they are the best in the country!