Kolkata: On the brink of achieving the 200th goal milestone in the combined I-League and NFL football tournament, East Bengal striker Ranti Martins on Friday said it's just a number and that he would dedicate it to his mother, whom he lost earlier this year.
The East Bengal forward is one shy of achieving the feat and become the first player to achieve the feat as they take on a tattered Mumbai FC in an I-League game here on Saturday.
"See, 200 is just another number for me. I am not getting carried away with it. But if I get it, it would be for my mother. Unfortunately, I lost my mother this year. Hope wherever she is, her blessings are always with me. Without her support and encouragement, I could not even dream of being in a position where I am standing right now," Martins said on the eve of their match against minnows from Mumbai.
Martins further said defending champions Bengaluru FC are the toughest opponents in the I-League.
"Having shortened the league, each of the games is utterly important. If you want to specify any particular team, I would say Bengaluru FC is the toughest opposition according to me. Each and every striker has to garner a lot against John Johnson and Curtis Osano," said the wily Nigerian goal-poacher.
"Royal Wahingdoh has been thoroughly professional and they are absolutely spot on. Pune FC are also very organised and their game plan are marvellous," he said in an interview to the I-League website.
The hosts are high on confidence after convincingly winning last three of their fixtures which also include an AFC Cup match. Mumbai FC have been win-less for the last six matches and have been rocked twice in the last 24 hours.
While the AIFF disciplinary committee banned midfielder Dane Pereira for doping, the governing body later came up with a verdict that will see gaffer Khalid Jamil being suspended for the next four games.
The leading goalscorer this season with 14 to his tally, Martins said they need to be cautious against Mumbai's counter attacks.
"We must not miss any opportunity throughout. They are outright professional, they won't succumb to this plight rather they might be the nemesis," said Martins.
