A-League Golden Boot winner Roy Krishna signs for ATK in mega deal

The Indian origin Fiji captain scored 19 goals in 27 matches in the 2018-19 season with Wellington Phoenix.

ATK are on the road of resurgence and have made some breathtaking steps to ensure the revival of the club. Keeping up the trend of making headlining transfers, the Indian Super League outfit have announced the signing of the Fiji captain, Roy Krishna, from the A-League side, Wellington Phoenix.

Khel Now sources confirm that ATK had approached Roy with an initial offering of ₹3.4 Crores after tax but the final contract is of the amount around ₹4 Crores after tax along with several bonuses. The numbers are staggering and the deal makes him one of the highest paid player of the ISL history.

The striker finished as the top scorer of the 2018-19 season with his previous club, after scoring 19 goals in 27 outings and was also adjudged as their Player of the Year for his performances in the 2017-18 campaign.

He played for five years for the A-league outfit and accumulated 122 appearances, scoring an impressive 51 goals and also assisting 26 times. His form for the Fiji national side is even more impressive, with the forward scoring 23 goals in 35 games overall.

The former Auckland City player has also featured in the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup and became the first Fijian player to score in a FIFA tournament.

The 31-year-old is a nimble and pacy forward, who is known for his movement and has the ability to run behind the opposing defences in order to get to the end of the through balls. He will be a fantastic addition to a glittering ATK attacking lineup that already has an experienced stalwart in Balwant Singh.

“140 years ago, our forefathers left Kolkata on board the Leonidas in search of new opportunities in Fiji. I feel like we’ve come a full circle as I head back to where it all began for them,” the FIJI captain said.

"I’m delighted to join ATK in the Hero ISL. I have taken my time to make what I feel is the right decision for me and my family, and ATK presents a great new opportunity for me in a new league,” the player added.

He continued, "When I came home, especially talked to my parents and they were happy that I have made the right decision to go to India."

140 years ago my ancestors came to Fiji from Kolkata, India in search of better opportunities. Today marks the start of a similar journey as I join @ATKFCin the Hero India Super League to go back to where it all began. #aamarbukeyatk pic.twitter.com/JHjeTS3tMS

— Roy Krishna ???????????????? (@RoyKrishna21) June 18, 2019

 

To top that, ATK will also have Jobby Justin, who has made the move to the ISL from the I-League outfit, East Bengal.

ATK have been making lots of headlines of late, starting from the appointment of Antonio Habas as their manager for the upcoming season. Replacing Steve Coppel, the Spaniard re-joins the former ISL champions after leading them to the league title in the inaugural season of the competition.

“Roy Krishna is our first international striker signing of the season. He is a prolific striker with leadership skills under his belt. He will add attack and variety to the team and his confidence will give an edge. I am very happy to have him in ATK,” Antonio López Habas said.

WATCH: Roy Krishna's every goal for the A-League outfit 

The Kolkata-based outfit have also made a huge statement with some incredible transfers as well. Before roping in Roy Krishna from Wellington Phoenix, they had already added players like Carl McHugh, Michael Soosairaj and Michael Regin to their roster. If reports are to be believed, then Anas Edathodika from Kerala Blasters and Sehnaj Singh from Mumbai City FC could also be added to the growing list of incomings at the club.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

The numbers are extremely impressive (Roy Krishna stats)

ATK are surely going to be the team to watch out for next season, as the club is showing real intent to get back to the pinnacle of ISL and reclaim their lost glory. With so many new additions to the squad, it will be interesting to see how the team lines up under their new gaffer.