ISL 2022-23: The moment I arrived here, I felt like I was coming home – Roy Krishna on his special bond with India

Fijian striker Roy Krishna has enjoyed his time while playing in India. Krishna is one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the Hero Indian Super League and he has always ticked the right boxes.

The talisman scored 36 times and provided 18 assists playing for ATK FC and ATK Mohun Bagan in the 60 ISL matches he has played. Thus, he is one of the most consistent players in the last few years of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Krishna scored 15 goals in 21 matches in ISL 2019-20 season and played a key role in taking ATK FC to glory. Now the linchpin has made a move to Bengaluru FC from ATK Mohun Bagan.

Krishna has deep roots in India and enjoys Indian culture and food.

“I was quite familiar with a lot of Indian things, so it wasn’t a surprise when I first came here,” Krishna told Mint Lounge in an interview.

“For instance, I’ve seen a lot of foreigners struggle with the food in India. On the other hand, I can eat more chilies than locals,” he added.

“When I got here, the first thing I wanted to know from my sisters was which part of India my ancestors came from. Some say I look Goan, others say I could be Bihari,” Krishna said.

“What’s certain is that the moment I arrived here, I felt like I was coming home. It’s crazy how you get mobbed here, the way they chant your name. Honestly, I’m more Roy Krishna here than back home in Fiji,” he added.

The 34-year-old admitted he always found it difficult to score against Bengaluru FC as they had a potent defense.

“Bengaluru are one of the sides that I’ve always admired since I always found it hard to score against them. I spoke to the coach, Simon Grayson, to know of his plans. Then, of course, Sunil Bhai (Sunil Chhetri) is at the club and there’s so much I can learn from him. So I knew it was a good idea to join them,” Krishna said.

Krishna will now look to deliver the goods for the Blues in the upcoming season of ISL and he is going to make a potent pair with Sunil Chhetri.