Pritam Kotal: I am excited to play for Mohun Bagan again next season

The 26 year-old spoke after scoring his side's opening goal in the win against FC Goa.

Scoring for the team in a crucial games takes a lot especially for defender and ATK's Pritam Kotal proved it. A thumping header from the full-back off the bar took the hosts up against FC Goa in the first half. Later in the second half, Jayesh Rane corrected his horrendous miss by scoring ATK's second on the night to put the game to end. However, it is the former's hit, that stole the show for the hosts as they now climb to the top of the table, superior to the Gaurs on goal difference. "ATK are a team that deserve to be first. It’s not my overconfidence speaking just because we won the game. Every one of our players has worked the hardest, hence we won the game," said Pritam Kotal after the game. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] His headed goal means the 26 year-old registered his first goal of the season and it had to come at a crucial time! Speaking about whether he'd practised scoring such goals, Pritam Kotal said, "Yes of course. When we practice set-pieces, it encourages me to go for the headers. I’ve tried many times in the past matches but managed to score today. I’m very happy to have done so." A versatile defender, the India international has played each and every minute for ATK this season. With his brilliance on the pitch, Pritam Kotal has been solid for them this season, helping them record most clean sheets than any other club (7). Quite simply, the player has been amongst the most influential defenders in Indian football. Interestingly, ATK once again played three at the back against FC Goa and it worked wonders for them. Speaking about whether he has been turned into a centre-back under Antonio Lopez Habas, Kotal said, "I don’t think that can be said." "In football nowadays you must be prepared to play wherever the coach deems you to. I’ve played as a centre-back before as well. I’m happy to play there and I’m very pleased that the coach feels I can succeed in this role." Further, Indian football witnessed a historic move when ATK announced a merger with I-League giant Mohun Bagan. Incidentally, Pritam Kotal happens to be an ex-Bagan and it is obvious of him to express his opinion on the merger. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] "I’m feeling very good about the merger. I must wish Mohun Bagan good luck for the upcoming derby." "It feels great that I’ll get to play for Mohun Bagan next season again. Right now I’m playing for ATK, but I’m feeling very good about the prospect of playing for Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata derby again." "I’ve loved it whenever I played for them and have given my 100%. I was missing the derby all these times, but nothing could be done. We must do whatever is best for ourselves as a professional," concluded Pritam Kotal.