Bengaluru FC have added more firepower to their frontline by acquiring the services of Fiji international striker Roy Krishna, with the 34-year-old putting pen to paper on a two-year deal, the second of which is an optional extension, set to run through until 2024, the club announced on Monday. Krishna, who captains Fiji and has the most goals and appearances for his country, has previously turned out for ATK FC and ATK Mohun Bagan in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL).

“I’m really excited to join Bengaluru FC. I had conversations with the coach (Simon Grayson) when I was in the early stages of negotiations and he really convinced me that I would have an impact at the club. I’ve always admired the way Bengaluru played and organized itself over the years that I’ve played in India,” said Krishna following the completion of formalities on his deal.

“When we played against Bengaluru FC, they have always been a tough opponent and we knew it wouldn’t be a walk in the park. We had a different strategy when taking on BFC. From the start I’ve had a good impression of the club, but it took some time to finalize the move as I had to factor in my family. I’m really pleased with how well things have worked so far, and I’m glad that I don’t have to worry about taking on Bengaluru FC as an opponent, and that I get to be part of the BFC legacy,” added Krishna.

In his three seasons in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL), Krishna has 36 goals and 18 assists and was joint top-scorer in the League twice; in 2019-20 with 15 goals as ATK lifted the ISL trophy and in 2020-21 with 14 goals, as ATK Mohun Bagan reached the final.

Krishna, who is an ambassador for the Oceania Football Confederation, represented Fiji at the U20 and U23 levels, before making his debut for the senior national team at the 2007 South Pacific games. His opening goal against Mexico at the 2016 Rio Olympics is Fiji’s first and only goal at an Olympic games. With 31 goals in 45 appearances, Krishna leads the charts for goals and appearances for his country.

“Krishna is a big signing for the football club and one that I’m delighted we have made. Roy has proven over the years what a fantastic footballer and goalscorer he has been, and his experience and know-how of the Indian Super League will also prove to be a big plus for us. I am certain that the younger players on our team will be able to learn much from working with him and Sunil both on and off the pitch,” said Blues’ Head Coach Simon Grayson.

Krishna is the Blues’ sixth signing of the season, following the arrivals of Javi Hernandez, Prabir Das, Faisal Ali, Amrit Gope and Hira Mondal.

ATK Mohun Bagan bag Australian striker Dimitrios Petratos

ATK Mohun Bagan have signed Australian striker Dimitrios Petratos to strengthen their forward line as they aim to fill the void left behind by the departure of Krishna and David Williams.

Petratos who played for Australia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup will join the Mariners ahead of the new season and will bring in loads of experience having played in countries like Australia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Malaysia.

Petratos’ best spell in his career came at A-League clubs Brisbane Roars and Newcastle Jets for whom he scored a combined tally of 37 goals.

The 29-year-old is expected to lead the ATK Mohun Bagan attack alongside the likes of Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan and Kiyan Nassiri who are among the best Indian forwards in the Hero ISL.

Petratos is Mariners’ third foreign signings of the summer after Brendan Hamill and Florentin Pogba.

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Bengaluru FC Press ReleasesRoy Krishna