ATK host Mumbai City FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday. While ATK has been plagued by injuries which have affected their season to a large extent, playmaker Ryan Taylor has been a bright spot in the defending champions’ midfield. Coming in mid-season, he has pulled the strings well and has scored once and assisted twice already. On the eve of Sunday’s clash, the 33-year-old spoke to indiansuperleague.com and shared his thoughts on the season and beyond. Here are the excerpts.

How would you sum up your Hero ISL performance this season?

For me, it’s been a joy to be here, although results have not gone as planned. It’s been a great experience. I have never lived away from home before. So, to come here and see a different culture and different type of football has been great.

One memory of your first season in India that you won’t forget?

Probably scoring the first goal. It’s obviously nice getting on the score-sheet. Other than that, the game against Mumbai. I had just arrived and then winning at Mumbai was a nice feeling.

If we talk about your entire career, who has been your best teammate?

The teammate I have kept in touch the longest would be Iain Hume. We probably know each other for 16 years now.

Who has been the toughest opponent in your career?

When I was a Wigan (Athletic) player, I played against Thierry Henry, who was playing for Arsenal. He was into the later stages of his prime and he was just class. I obviously watched him over the years and I have so much respect for him. I have played against other great players too, but I think, he is the one who stands out.

If not a professional footballer, what would you be?

When I was leaving school, obviously I always wanted to be a footballer. But I liked the fact of being a fireman and it was something I was quite keen on doing.

What sort of a game are you expecting from Mumbai?

Similar to the first game when I came here. It was a tough game and really competitive. It was a good result for us, a hard-fought win and I am expecting a pretty tough game tomorrow. Obviously there is not much to play for, but there is pride at stake and we don’t want to lose a football match.

How would you approach this match?

We will approach it like we approach any other game. The main aim is to win and play good football and try and entertain the fans. Obviously we would love to score some goals. Hopefully, on Sunday night we can celebrate all three points.