Nigerian signs for East Bengal
SHILLONG: Pivotal to Rangdajied United’s mid-season turnaround in the I-League, Nigerian striker Ranti Martins has signed a contract with East Bengal that will keep him at the Kolkata club for the next two seasons.
Martins was taken on by Rangdajied from financially struggling United SC during the mid-season transfer window and the Nigerian then scored eight goals in eight appearances to help the Blues rescue themselves from the threat of relegation to finish in 12th position in the table.
At his first press conference at East Bengal on Thursday, a day after formally signing for the Red & Golds, Martins said that he was well aware of his responsibilities and the kind of scrutiny he will face in leading the charge of a big club like East Bengal, runners-up in the just-concluded season.
“It’s a new journey for me and a privilege to join East Bengal,” Ranti was quoted as saying.
“The fan and the media interest will be something new for me but I don’t see it as any pressure and instead look at it as a responsibility.”
The 27-year-old Nigerian started his Indian football career with Dempo SC in 2004 and went on to lift two National Football League titles and three I-League crowns with the Goan giants.
At East Bengal he will reunite with former Dempo coach Armando Colaco, who feels that Martins will give a big boost to the team in the forthcoming season.
Martins is the all-time lead scorer in the I-League and its predecessor, the NFL, with a combined tally of 185 goals.
He won the Golden Boot as top scorer on four occasions – 2006, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
