Chennaiyin will be a tough opposition, says Paartalu

It has been a rather topsy-turvy journey for Erik Paartalu, one that has seen him ply his trade across a range of countries before eventually landing in Bengaluru.

The strapping Australian began his career in Australia and featured in China, South Korea and Qatar prior to cementing his place at Bengaluru FC.

It was in 2016 that BFC was in Doha to play Air Force Club in the final of the AFC Cup and that is where Paartalu got the first glimpse of his future club.

"I was at a pool at a hotel in Doha after training. My wife and I saw an English guy walking past in a white and blue polo. I told her that it seemed like he was part of a football team. She then googled it and told me who he was. Fast-forward 12 months and we were playing together and even sharing a room. You know some things are just meant to be, this was one of those," he recollected.

It was Cameron Watson's exit that opened the door for the 31-year-old and incidentally, Watson played a key role in Paartalu's move.  "Before I signed I asked Cameron and he told me how good it was. He further went ahead and gave the club a great recommendation for me. They were in the market for a defensive midfielder and he made sure I was here. It's a great place to be in. At the end of it, it turned out to be a no-brainer," said Paartalu.

Having scored three goals in 15 games this year for Albert Roca's team, Paartalu is now looking forward to winning some silverware as his side brace for a dogged Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League final at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday.

"Chennai are a physically tough side. They are one of the teams in the ISL that have great squad balance. We know they can close out games well so it'll be a case of whoever scores first, having a great chance to win it.

"With Goa, it would have been a more open game. Chennai are more closed and good at transitioning. Our fans will give us an advantage though. We need to react well to situations and finish strong," he added.

While Paartalu is a more senior statesman in the side, the other end of the spectrum features a young talent in Udanta Singh. There have been criticisms of Udanta's decision-making up front but his pace will be a great attribute for Bengaluru come Saturday. The 21-year-old Manipuri is expecting a great clash between the two South Indian rivals.

 "We're all looking forward to the big game. It is great for the fans and us considering it is at home. I think it's going to be a great game. They are a tough side and we will have to be good," Udanta voiced.