Atlético de Kolkata went top of the league in their first home game of the second season of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) with a 2-1 win over Kerala Blasters FC at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday. Footballing god Pele was in attendance as the guest of honour, adding to the big match feel as the clash between last year’s finalists lived up to its billing. The champions got the better off Kerala once again courtesy of goals from Arata Izumi and Javi Lara. After the match indiansuperleague.com caught up with Atlético defender Denzil Franco for his thoughts on his team’s winning start at home.

First match at home and you start with a win, and you’re still unbeaten in the league. How do you feel about it?

I feel nothing can be better than to start on a winning note for a champion team, that too at home. Praise and thanks to god for this victory because it’s a very hard-working team, Kerala. They really played their hearts out. My team really played together, unity is the most important thing for this team and of course the supporters.

How does it feel playing in front of a jam-packed crowd?

It’s always my dream, being a Goan, it’s always been my dream to play in Kolkata, a club in Kolkata and it has come true. I played last year but unfortunately in the fourth match I was injured and I was out. But then I have started from where I ended last year and I send thanks to Jesus. This is my second match, a very good result and I feel really great for the crowd because they have been awesome.

What do you feel about your own performance?

Well see, if you know well I have been out of football in the last ten months because of my injury. And this is my second match after the injury because I didn’t play in any of the practice matches. But I’m getting my fitness levels back to my normal self.

How do you feel playing in front of footballing icon Pele?

What more can I ask for! He is the god of football and playing in front of him is my dream come true. I praise and thank god all the time for the beautiful opportunities I’ve been getting in life and I’m really happy playing in front of Pele.