Internet Desk: Ranti Martins is back at his best. The Nigerian is beginning to do what he knows best, scoring goals. The highest goal scorer of I League last season scored the first hat-trick of the league this season yesterday against highlanders Shillong Lajong FC. Ranti was in a jovial mood after the practice session today talking to the scribes.
Ranti preferred giving priority to East Bengal winning the I-league rather than becoming the highest scorer. The goal machine was quoted as saying,” I have always given priority to the team rather than my personal goals. East Bengal came very close to winning the I league for the last five years but could not seal the deal. It is our responsibility to bring back the smiles to the fans by winning the I League. I will try my level best to do so. I am not worried of becoming the highest scorer.”
Ranti is followed closely by Cornell Glen, who have so far scored 4 goals in the I League. In fact the Trinidadian finished a close second behind Ranti in the goal scorers list last season. Ranti made it clear that he is enjoying the healthy competition with Glen. For him what matters most is winning the coveted title with the Red and Gold brigade. “I want to see East Bengal emerge as the champions of I League. I am not too concerned whether I end up being the top scorer or not.”
Ranti seemed to be in some sort of discomfort at practice as he injured his left ankle in the match against Lajong yesterday . But he feels he will be okay before the next tie with Salgaocar on 21st February. “I did get injured yesterday . But I feel I should be fine for the Salgaocar match .Our coach has given us rest for the next 4 days .”
He was asked what motivates him to do well in I League ,he was prompt in his reply ,“It’s very simple . As I-league is the top-most league in the country ,that’s why I try to reserve my best for it . My focus have always been to do well in I League for whichever club I am representing .”
According to the goal machine, he rates former Dempo and East Bengal coach Armando Colaco to be the best he has played under. He was quoted as saying,” Under him, I have won 5 I-League titles. Whenever I have been through a bad patch, he stood beside me like a father figure and encouraged me. This has helped me motivating myself.”
Ranti also praised current East Bengal coach Biswajit Bhattacharya , “I have a good understanding with him. He too understands me well. There is no problem between me and the coach.”
On being asked who according to him have been the best foreign footballer he played with , he feel ,“ Beto and Carlos Hernandez of United Sports were the best midfielders I played with. I used to get a lot of ball supply from them.”
Ranti feel the inclusion of Mendy have added more fire power in the East Bengal team this season . “Mendy is playing in a different position. Gradually he is gelling up well with the team.”
The footballer did not forget to credit his wife for all her support and sacrifices . “ I kept my promise made to my wife. She was very unhappy with the performance in the last match against Aizawl FC. I am happy to bring back her smiles back . She have been my real strength in my life .”
Lastly , how did he celebrate scoring the hat-trick with his family ,“Hat-trick does not mke me happy nowadays. I have scored more goals than hat-tricks in a match .I want to set my own standards as I want to break my record of seven goals I scored against United Sikkim few seasons back .”