Vikram Partap Singh interview: Those goals were for my father
Scoring both goals in Mumbai City FC's 2-0 triumph against Bengaluru FC on Sunday, Singh dedicated his brace to his late father.
Forward Vikram Partap Singh played a crucial role in Mumbai City FC's recent 2-0 triumph over Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday.
Singh secured a brace, scoring the only goals of the game, with one in each half, proving to be the decisive factor. Despite being substituted in the 66th minute for Biping Singh, Singh's impactful performance had already made a significant impact on the match.
The Chandigarh-born player, visibly energised after celebrating both goals, dedicated his stellar performance to his late father, who passed away in January.
“Those goals were for my father. Even every goal that I scored (before) were for him. He’s not here now, but I know he’s watching me from above,” Partap said in an exclusive interview with indiansuperleague.com after the game.
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Singh's recent brace marked his third goal of the season, and notably, all of his goals have been scored in the last four games. His ability to contribute effectively from different areas on the field have added a dynamic dimension to the team that have seen him become a key player for the Islanders under the guidance of head coach Petr Kratky.
Singh has started in each of the previous four league matches, showcasing his growing importance within the team.
Reflecting on the ongoing season, he said: “This season has been going well for me. But the main goal remains to win a trophy.”
Following their second consecutive victory, Mumbai City FC has risen to the fourth position in the standings. The team has faced a varied series of results recently, dealing with the departure of crucial foreign players such as Greg Stewart, Abdenasser El Khayati, and Rostyn Griffiths. To address these gaps, the club has made strategic signings in the form of Iker Guarrotxena and Thaer Krouma during the January transfer window. With an eye on contending for the League Shield in the second half of the season, Mumbai City FC will be aiming to extend their winning momentum.
Despite the changes in the squad, Vikram Partap Singh acknowledged that the team's fundamental philosophy has remained unchanged.
“Many players have changed (in our squad). But our style has remained the same. Everyone knows how we need to play and everyone is working together,” he said.
Guarrotxena has seamlessly adapted to his new club, showcasing a swift integration into Mumbai City FC. Having previously played for FC Goa in the 2022-23 season, the Spaniard has been featured in the starting lineup for the last two league games for the Islanders with impactful contributions.
In the previous match against East Bengal FC, he secured the winning goal, and in the recent encounter with Bengaluru FC, he played a crucial role by providing the cross that led to Vikram's header and the second goal. Singh expressed admiration for his new teammate and believes that Guarrotxena can be the X-factor for the team in the upcoming second half of the season, emphasising his energy and remarkable passion for the game.
“I think he can be our main player in the second half of the season because of the energy he brings to the team. And his passion for the game is unbelievable,” he said.
