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Jamshedpur FC have roped in Petar Sliskovic to lead the line in the upcoming season, and expectations from fans are high following his impressive display last season in the Indian Super League.
Little may have been known about Sliskovic when he joined Chennaiyin FC at the start of last season, but in just a short period of time, it became clear that the Marina Machans had a proper goal scorer in their ranks.
The big Croatian took precious little time to get going, and hit the ground running by scoring thrice in the Durand Cup for Chennaiyin and marking a sign of things to come as far as his ability in front of goal was concerned. He ended the ISL season with 8 goals and 4 assists in just 17 appearances and could have arguably got some more if it wasn’t for some fitness concerns.
This impressive display is a major reason why Jamshedpur have taken notice and handed him the number nine shirt this campaign. The team needs a reliable front man after the disappointment of last season, and Sliskovic seems like the perfect fit in a team that is rebuilding and looking to the future with some real confidence.
“My whole life is football,” said a beaming Petar Sliskovic when discussing his childhood memories.
“The game has always been my passion and my uncle was a big player in Croatia and Bosnia because of which I decided to play football.”
The 32-year-old got his big break at German side 1.FSV Mainz in the early 2010s, and he recounts this time as bringing one of his greatest memories in the game.
“My favourite memory was in the Bundesliga when I scored a goal against Borussia Dortmund and the stadium had 80,000 people cheering. It was an amazing feeling that only a footballer who has been in the same situation can relate to.”
Following a rewarding campaign with Chennaiyin, there were always going to be suitors for Sliskovic, but once the Men of Steel came calling, there was no turning back.
“After the season ended, Jamshedpur were the first team to contact me and I had a very good feeling after I spoke with the Head Coach. It was then a no-brainer for me to come and be a part of the Men of Steel.
“India is a big country with lots of people but I’ve fallen in love with this place and its people and I’m very happy I decided to stay here for at least another year.”
When it comes to footballing idols, Sliskovic is clear that he has his own favourite footballers but they are more his contemporaries than idols in reality.
“My favourite player is Edin Dzeko but I also love both Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic for what they have done for the game. Being a striker I take a lot from observing their game.”
Jamshedpur’s new number nine will be raring to go once the ISL season begins and fans can flock to the Furnace to see him live in action.
