Who would have thought that someone would better Churchill Brothers’ Odafe Onyeka Okolie, the highest goal scorer every season in the last four years? This time Okolie finished a rare second, 25 goals, behind his countryman Ranti Martins who won the golden boot award for his 30 goals.
Martins, after serving Dempo for over seven years and finishing the highest goal scorer three times, has decided to quit the club to pursue his European dreams.
Joining the Goan club at the age of 17, Martins took Indian football by storm by being the highest goal scorer in his debut tournament, the 2004 Federation Cup.
He complemented coach Armando Colaco; and the synergy was such that Dempo won the title four times, which enabled them to qualify for the AFC Cup on five occasions. And that includes the historic semi-final finish in the 2008 AFC Cup.
“It’s a very tough decision for me but I want to achieve my European dreams. I always wanted to play there and I think I can make it. Dempo has been like a family to me.
The club supported me morally and financially all these years. I will like to say a big thank you for the kindness they showed towards me all these years,” said Martins after their 2-4 loss to HAL yesterday.
Ranti feels his partnership with Roberto Mendes Silva (popularly known as Beto) has been the best in Indian football.
“I can proudly say that we were the best striking pair in Indian football. We complemented each other really well, and it was a real treat to score so many goals with him,” he said.
He had words of praise for Colaco too. “I have learned a great deal from him. He should be credited with Dempo’s style of play. I am sure he will take India to great levels,” he said.
Dempo, known to give a long stint to its players, has decided to release all its foreign imports and start fresh from next season.
Martins, after serving Dempo for over seven years and finishing the highest goal scorer three times, has decided to quit the club to pursue his European dreams.Joining the Goan club at the age of 17, Martins took Indian football by storm by being the highest goal scorer in his debut tournament, the 2004 Federation Cup.
He complemented coach Armando Colaco; and the synergy was such that Dempo won the title four times, which enabled them to qualify for the AFC Cup on five occasions. And that includes the historic semi-final finish in the 2008 AFC Cup.
“It’s a very tough decision for me but I want to achieve my European dreams. I always wanted to play there and I think I can make it. Dempo has been like a family to me.
The club supported me morally and financially all these years. I will like to say a big thank you for the kindness they showed towards me all these years,” said Martins after their 2-4 loss to HAL yesterday.
Ranti feels his partnership with Roberto Mendes Silva (popularly known as Beto) has been the best in Indian football.
“I can proudly say that we were the best striking pair in Indian football. We complemented each other really well, and it was a real treat to score so many goals with him,” he said.He had words of praise for Colaco too. “I have learned a great deal from him. He should be credited with Dempo’s style of play. I am sure he will take India to great levels,” he said.
Dempo, known to give a long stint to its players, has decided to release all its foreign imports and start fresh from next season.
