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Atletico de Kolkata's super sub Mohammed Rafique, who scored the winning goal in the inaugural Indian Super League football tournament's final, said he will cherish his 20 minutes on the field for the rest of his life.
Atletico de Kolkata win inaugural ISL; super sub Rafique shines
CM Mamata congratulates Atletico de Kolkata on ISL victory
"Everyone dreams of playing in the final. I too wanted to play in the final and for that I worked hard and the coach saw that. These 20 minutes were the most important. When I was given this opportunity, I thought I will give it my best. I thank God for helping me emerge as the hero," Rafique said.
The 22-year-old headed the winning goal in stoppage time, after starting from the bench in the 74th minute, to help his team win 1-0 over Kerala Blasters.
Making his second appearance in the tournament, Rafique said he reaped the rewards for his hard work.
The former United SC player praised skipper Luis Garcia and said he learnt a lot from the Spanish midfielder.
"He is in a class of his own. Whatever you talk about him, it's less. There was a lot to learn from him – his practice, how he received the ball and just about everything. I learnt a lot to improve myself," the youngster said.
Garcia lauds Rafique for final heroics
Atletico de Kolkata skipper Garcia credited young Rafique and custodian Edel Bete for the team becoming the inaugural Indian Super League champions after a win over Kerala Blasters in the summit clash here.
"It was unbelievable (Bete's save in 83rd minute). The team worked so hard but that save and Rafique's goal was worth an award," the Spanish player said.
Garcia missed out playing in the final and said it was disappointing not to be a part of the playing XI but said the team deserved to win the final for its hard work.
The Spaniard said it reminded him of Liverpool's Champions League final at Istanbul in 2005.
"It kind of (was like the 2005 Champions League win). It was a final. It was important for us as we were working hard for the last three months. To arrive here after struggling in the middle of the competition was very important and we got the trophy," he said.
New league has managed to achieve it's targets
ATK's marquee player believed the winning goal from Mohammed Rafique has proved that new league to a certain extent has managed to achieve it's targets of an Indian players showing their potential at a big stage.
"In the first conference in Kolkata we said that this ISL is not just a competition for the marquee players or for international players. We came here to help football grow in India. What we were looking for was these kinds of things, for Indian players to come out and show their potential because there is potential in India," the former Liverpool midfielder said.
Atletico de Kolkata coach Antonio Habas agreed with Garcia and said, "I think the youth in India have huge potential but needs to improve a lot at the base in youth academies."
The former Bolivian coach said, "We like to thank Rafique, we know he hasn't had many games in the season but he waited for his moment and today he is a hero."