NEW DELHI: It’s the club that every footballer longs to be a part of. East Bengal Striker Edeh Chidi entered the 100-goal club when he scored against Mohammedan Sporting in the I-League at the floodlit Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.
The striker became only the fifth player in Indian football to reach the landmark. The quartet who have already achieved the feat are Ranti Martins (184), Odafa Okolie (165), Yusif Yakubu (143) and Jose Ramires Barreto (101).
In his first detailed interview since making it to the elite club, the Nigerian spoke at length to the All India Football Federation website on what the landmark means to him, his long association with Indian football and much more.
Has the feeling sunk in?
It is my biggest achievement so far. Looking back at my stint in India I can be proud of myself now. I have scored 100 goals and doing that in the top tier league of any country is no child’s play. I’m proud of myself.
Whom would you dedicate the 100th goal?
To my family and friends who stood by me during hard times. The initial years in India weren’t easy.
Is it a relief or further motivation for you?
I have never rested on laurels and I’m not someone who loves to dwell on the past.
But I truly feel that scoring 100 goals is not everybody’s cup of tea.
Many have come to India and tried their luck with football but in vain. It’s not easy to come and adapt here and then be successful.
You leave your people and culture behind in search of greener pastures. A lot of hard work and focus is needed. Looking back I can say all of that has paid off.
Having said that, there is a lot to achieve and I am not done yet. The moment you feel that you’ve done everything, you are finished as a footballer!
Do you keep a count of your goals and other milestones?
No, I don’t keep a track of them for the sake of it. Football is a team game and if you keep on thinking about your next milestone you’ll end up being a selfish player on the pitch.
So you mean to say, at 99, the milestone did not play on your mind in the field?
(Laughs) I need to be honest here and have to admit that it did (laughs again). But the situation in the league table at the moment is more important. Of course as a striker I am always on the prowl. But every time I make sure my personal goals don’t get the better of the club. We are still in the hunt for the I-League crown.
I desperately want to win the league with East Bengal and I believe anything is possible in football.
Who will win the I-League this year?
Bengaluru FC are playing really good. But as I said East Bengal are still in with a chance and we will do everything we can to pull it off. Nothing is impossible!