Roy Krishna is elated by the prospect of playing for ATK Mohun Bagan in front of a home crowd for the first time when they take on Sri Lankan outfits Blue Star in their AFC Cup preliminary round 2 match at the Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata, on April 12. Moreover, the talisman is aiming for the title in the upcoming event.

The Fijian striker fled the camp for national duty after the Mariners’ exit from the Hero ISL 2021-22. Following a hectic few weeks, Krishna joined his teammates in Kolkata recently, as the preparations for the continental event is in full swing. For the first time in over two years, the club will be playing a home match, with the presence of the fans making it even more special.

“I am excited to play in front of the fans who supported me throughout the season on Instagram, Facebook. We have seen the excitement on television and on youtube, but we are now getting an opportunity to play in front of them. Anyhow, we need to win the match, I need to score. I am aware that everyone would be expecting me to score. I can assure that I will try my best,” said Roy Krishna, as reported by the ATK Mohun Bagan media team.

Despite not having the best of seasons, the footballer scored seven times and assisted four goals in the Hero ISL 2021-22. However, that was not enough for ATK Mohun Bagan to claim a silverware, as they were ousted by Hyderabad FC in the two-legged semi-finals. For now, the Mariners will be aiming to better their record in the AFC Cup, having lost in the inter-zone semi-final last term.

Also Read: ATK Mohun Bagan to face Sri Lankan side Blue Star FC in AFC Cup Playoffs

Krishna scored a couple of goals in the 2021 AFC Cup. With preliminary matches also in the mix this season, his services will be more than essential this time around. The striker, on the other hand, is aiming for the highest honour.

“Almost all the players have joined the camp, and they are in good shape. Winning the AFC Cup is our target. Foremost, we have to get past the group stage and even before that, the preliminary round matches. We are taking it one game at a time,” added the prolific striker.

On his arrival in Kolkata, the footballer stressed on physical conditioning along with other players. Meanwhile, Juan Ferrando is happy with Krishna's fitness level and is willing to play him as a single striker for the upcoming match. Unlike the Hero ISL, AFC competitions allow only three foreigners in the playing XI, making it a bit tricky for teams that heavily rely on their overseas recruits.