To perform like this in Asia is great: Rino Anto

Bengaluru: The euphoria of becoming the first Indian club to enter the AFC Cup final has settled into quiet pride. The acceptance of the mammoth achievement is slowly sinking in for the Bengaluru FC family. While Albert Roca has stamped his mark on the team with an attractive and attacking style and deserves all the credit that is coming his way for his part in the historic success, a lot of credit should also go to former manager Ashley Westwood.

And like everyone else in the BFC family, Rino Anto too, is quick to give credit where it is due. “Ashley has a big part (in the success). Right from the beginning, he took care of our fitness, diet and everything. He brought professionalism into the club. Yes, he left after three years but the professional approach is still there. Roca’s system is a bit different but we were able to adapt quickly because we know how to be professional about things,” said Anto on Thursday.

“We know what we have to eat and do outside the field. That’s a main part for a footballer because if we are not doing the right things outside the ground, we can’t be the best inside,” said the right back while crediting the family atmosphere and Sunil Chhetri’s leadership as other key factors. “I never thought I would reach this level and Ashley gave me a new lease of life. Roca has now come in and he is from Barcelona. So I want to learn as much as possible and be the best I can,” he added.

The defender, who joined the club at its inception and has been one of their longest serving players, is happy after reaching the final. ‘Other countries will know us’ “I’m very happy. It feels great to be a part of history. I have played in the AFC Cup with Salgaocar, Mohun Bagan and with BFC this last two years. But this is the first time I am reaching the final. Now, the other countries in Asia will know more about us which is a big positive.

“To perform like this in Asia is great achievement. We are part of the Asian continent and for us, this is like the World Cup,” he remarked adding professionalism as the secret to the club’s success and stressing that other Indian clubs should follow suit for the betterment of the game in the country. Now looking ahead to the big game on November 5 against Air Force Club, Iraq, Anto was quick to convince that BFC will go with the mentality of winning the title.

“We are off for three days, then the coach will say what system we need to play and we’ll prepare for that. We’ve a good balance despite the coach not getting a lot of time and that’s a great thing. We had never beaten Johor before and that has given great confidence. We’ll go to win, because it’s a big dream for us,” he signed off.