Ranty

Calcutta: Ranty Martins’ indifferent form at the start of the season had the Doubting Thomases questioning if he has been sorted out.

But the move to Rangdajied United FC (RUFC) from a cash-strapped United SC during the transfer window has re-established the fact that the Nigerian continues to be in his very best. No way can he be written off.

In the city for Rangdajied’s I-League game versus East Bengal, on Sunday, Ranty acknowledged the support that the Shillong-based unit has provided him so far, which enabled him play with a free mind and stay assured especially after months of uncertainty at the United SC camp.

Moreover, since Ranty’s arrival, Rangdajied have been on a roll, winning their last three matches against Bengaluru FC, United SC and Mohun Bagan. And Ranty made sure he scored in all three of them.

“At present, I’m doing a decent job. It’s always a nice feeling to score and contribute for my team. Now, what’s more important is that I’m more relaxed now and playing with a free mind.

“Look, if you go through a prolonged (financial) crisis, there’s every possibility it will effect your performance… I really had to go through difficult times… At Rangdajied, I’m a lot more assured as things are pretty well settled,” Ranty told The Telegraph on Friday.

Talking further about his team, Ranty believes Rangdajied are slowly turning themselves into a formidable unit. Besides, East Bengal will be the side under pressure this Sunday, he warned.

“I’m able to play my game here and these guys too have matured considerably compared to how they fared at the start of the season,” Ranty said, adding: “No doubt Sunday’s match will be a tough one. East Bengal are a strong, experienced team, but they don’t go into the game winning three matches on the trot as we’ve done.

“So, in that sense, they are the ones who would be under pressure.”