Fijian striker Roy Krishna has reaffirmed his commitment to Indian football by extending his contract with Odisha FC for another year. The Indian Super League (ISL) club announced the news on Monday, confirming that Krishna will continue to be a vital part of their squad for the upcoming season.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the extension, Krishna said, “I’m very pleased to extend my stay in Odisha for another year. I’ve had a great season and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together in the next one. The energy and support I get from our fans on and off the pitch is unparalleled and truly fuels my passion for the game.”
Krishna’s impressive performance last season, where he scored 13 goals and provided three assists, played a crucial role in Odisha FC’s campaign. The Juggernauts finished as runners-up in the Kalinga Super Cup and narrowly missed out on a knockout spot in the ISL.
Prior to joining Odisha FC, Krishna had stints with Bengaluru FC and ATK Mohun Bagan, where he established himself as a prolific scorer and a reliable forward. His experience and skill set have made him a fan favourite and a key player in the league.
Reflecting on his time under the guidance of Odisha’s head coach Sergio Lobera, Krishna added, “Playing under Coach Sergio Lobera has been a great experience for me. His vision, leadership, and commitment to excel inspire me every day. I am eager to continue learning and growing under his guidance, and I am confident that together, we will achieve great things this year.”
Krishna’s impact was particularly felt in Odisha’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Maziya S & RC in the AFC Cup in the Maldives, where he scored a decisive late winner. His knack for scoring critical goals has cemented his reputation as a clutch performer capable of changing the course of matches.
Odisha FC’s head coach Sergio Lobera expressed his satisfaction with Krishna’s contract extension. “I am happy to have a player and a professional like Roy back next season. He has helped us achieve success last year and I am sure he will help us this year as well,” Lobera stated. His confidence in Krishna’s abilities and leadership on the field underscores the striker’s importance to the team’s aspirations.
Krishna’s return is expected to boost Odisha FC’s prospects as they aim to build on the successes of the previous season and make a deeper run in the ISL. The team and its supporters are optimistic that with Krishna leading the attack, they can achieve new heights and perhaps secure a much-coveted ISL title.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Krishna and Odisha FC to see how they leverage last season’s momentum and whether they can translate their potential into tangible success. With Krishna’s leadership and Lobera’s strategic acumen, the Juggernauts are poised to make a significant impact in the 2024 ISL season.
