Rino Anto. Photo: Official Facebook page.Rino Anto, one of the top defenders in the country, will be donning Kerala Blasters' colors in the Indian Super League (ISL) season 3. The 28-year-old, who hails from Thrissur, was roped in by Atletico de Kolkata in the last edition of the ISL.
However, this time around Rino wanted to play in front of his home fans and signed up for the Kerala franchise, co-owned by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Rino, who plies his trade for I-League champions Bengaluru FC, spoke to Onmanorama over the phone from Bengaluru about the upcoming ISL and challenges ahead.
On signing for Kerala Blasters
Blasters have a huge fan base and the home crowd are so passionate. I was eager to play for Blasters this season.
About the Blasters squad
Rino Anto.We've got a very good line-up. It has a nice mix of youngsters, which includes quite a few Africans and I believe we've a very good combination at our disposal.
Also read: ISL 3: Kerala Blasters announce final squad
Goals for this ISL season
Right now I am focusing on Bengaluru FC's AFC Cup quarterfinal against Singapore's Tampines Rovers (the home leg will be played on September 14, while the away leg is slated for September 21). I will join the Blasters squad only after the AFC Cup assignments. My aim is to give my best and help Blasters put up a fine performance.
On Blasters' preparations
Rino Anto in action. Photo: Official Facebook page.Quite a few players were missing in the preliminary camp in Thiruvananthapuram due to national and club duties. The boys will have a solid outing in Thailand to get ready for the new season.
Both me and my Bengaluru FC teammate C.K. Vineeth (another Kerala player) will join the squad after our AFC Cup fixtures. Both of us will be match-fit and hopefully we will have no issues in gelling with the rest of the team.
Rino Anto(right) during a practice session.On Blasters' backline
We've a very good backline this season. The experienced Aaron Hughes is there in addition to Sandesh Jhingan and seasoned campaigner Cedric Hengbart. (Hughes, who played for Northern Ireland in Euro 2016 is Blasters' marquee player.)
Rino Anto. Photo: Official Facebook page.On English coach Steve Coppell
I have not interacted with him. But I have fond memories of playing under another English coach Ashley Westwood at Bengaluru FC. So I am looking forward to the
challenge.
