Last season, Dempo’s Ranty Martins became the first player to reach the 30-goal mark in four editions of the I-League.
Yet, Okolie Odafa emerged as the most expensive footballer in India with a reported annual pay packet of nearly Rs 1.7 crore.This time too, Martins is likely to finish highest scorer as he currently has 31 goals compared to Odafa’s 25. But again it looks like the Mohun Bagan striker will earn the biggest salary next term at around Rs 2.5 crore.
So, after scoring 61 goals over two seasons, doesn’t Martins feel that he should be the highest-earner in the I-League?
“Yes. I have worked really hard and been very consistent with my goal scoring,” Ranty told HT.
The Dempo striker said he would also love to play alongside Odafa but said, “I don’t think an Indian club can afford us both!”
In eight years with Dempo, Martins has won every domestic tournament. But if he leaves, don’t expect him to see him in an East Bengal or Mohun Bagan shirt. Instead, he could play for United SC who have been linked with several big names.
{{/usCountry}}In eight years with Dempo, Martins has won every domestic tournament. But if he leaves, don’t expect him to see him in an East Bengal or Mohun Bagan shirt. Instead, he could play for United SC who have been linked with several big names.
{{/usCountry}}“The problem with East Bengal and Mohun Bagan is that when you do well, they treat you like God and when you fail, they bring you down. I have no regrets of not playing for them,” said Ranty.
Salgaocar lose
Reigning I-League champions Salgaocar were beaten by Pune FC in Kolkata on Wednesday.
Mandjou Keita netted from the spot before Subhash Singh won it conclusively with a late header.