Roy Krishna. Photo-Auckland City Media.

ROY SIGNS FOR AUCKLAND CITY

AUCKLAND - Fijian international striker Roy Krishna has joined Auckland City for the upcoming ASB Premiership season.

Roy Krishna. Photo-Auckland City Media.
Coach Ramon Tribulietx said the capture of Krishna is timely after striker Manel Exposito signed a two year professional deal with Belgian second division side KAS Eupen.

The 26-year-old Krishna becomes the second player in two seasons to swap the white and red of Waitakere United for navy blue after Chris Bale signed for Auckland City last year.

"It's great for our club to sign someone of Roy's calibre as we know first hand just how difficult it is to deal with a player of his characteristics so it will be really good to have him with us.

"Hopefully the fans will be able to enjoy Roy now, and he comes in at the right time after the loss of a couple of important players from our front line. " Tribulietx said.

Krishna revealed that the lure of competing at the FIFA Club World Cup was a big factor in his move to Auckland City.

"The chance to compete on the international stage was a big thing for me at this stage of my career." Krishna said.

"Every football player wants to play in these big competitions and to show their talents to the rest of the world."

He also had a message for City's fans.

"I'm very, very excited to have joined Auckland City and hopefully the crowd loves me here."

"My main aim is to help the team be successful by scoring plenty of goals and to also be the top goal scorer in the ASB Premiership once again this season."

Krishna's goal record speaks for itself.

Krishna has bagged 71 goals in just 102 club appearances for Waitakere under three different coaches - Chris Milicich, Neil Emblen and Paul Marshall.

He is Waitakere United's second highest top scorer behind retired All White Allan Pearce and is ahead of another former West Auckland hero, Solomon Islands international Benjamin Totori.

Auckland City FC chairman Ivan Vuksich expressed his delight in Krishna's signing ahead of another tough campaign.

"We are delighted that Roy has decided to play for Auckland City this season. He's without doubt one of the classiest players to have competed at ASB Premiership and OFC Champions League level and I'm sure he'll prove to be a vital performer for us at the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco this December.

"It's exciting times for Auckland City and for our supporters and we're all looking forward to welcoming Roy to the club," Vuksich said.

With 22 international caps and 14 goals to his credit, Krishna is considered Fiji's leading marksman ahead of Osea Vakatalesau, Malakai Tiwa and the now retired Esala Masi.

Krishna scored twice in Fiji's 2-0 win over the All Whites in the last FIFA World Cup campaign albeit in what was effectively a dead rubber match.

He also notched the winner for Fiji in a 1-0 triumph over New Zealand 'A' at Churchill Park in Lautoka six years ago.

Krishna will spearhead a formidable navy blues forward line ahead of the club's tenth anniversary season and third consecutive tilt at the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco in December.

Profile

Name: Roy Krishna
Club: Auckland City FC
Date of Birth: 30 August 1987
Place of Birth: Siberia, Macuata, Labasa, Fiji
Position: Striker
Height: 1.70m
Weight: 65 kgs
Squad Number: 12
International Caps/ Goals: 22 caps / 14 goals
Previous Club: Waitakere United (NZL) 2008-2013, Waitakere City (NZL) 2009-2013
OFC Champions League: 27 matches /16 goals
ASB Premiership: 75 matches / 55 goals
ASB Chatham Cup: 11 matches / 3 goals
Northern League: 32 matches / 17 goals

Honours:

FIFA Club World Cup 2008 (7th place)
OFC Champions League Winners 2008
OFC Champions League Runners-up 2010 & 2013
ASB Premiership Champions 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013
ASB Premiership Runners-up 2009
ASB Premiership Player of the Year 2009
ASB Premiership Golden Boot 2013
OFC Under 20 Championship Golden Boot 2007
Fiji U-20, U-23 and senior international

Auckland City MEDIA