Best goal I have scored: Crivellaro on stunner against NorthEast

In each of the first six editions of India’s top-flight competition, CFC players from the South American nation, especially those operating in offensive positions, have come up with some peaches, which are many a time part of the ‘Goals of the season’ package.

The latest in the list of Brazilians to have donned the Chennaiyin colours is Rafael Crivellaro, the midfield maestro who gave NorthEast United FC the blues last Thursday. The 30-year-old’s wonder strike from close to the half-way line was a bolt from the blue as NEUFC custodian Subhasish Roy Chowdhury was caught napping.

Sharing his thoughts on the screamer with DT Next, Crivellaro remarked, “It was amazing to come up with such a hit. I knew the goalkeeper was off his line and I tried to beat him with a long-ranger. It’s the best goal I have scored in my professional career. I had netted a similar one in the past, but the goal against NorthEast was better.”

Following in the footsteps of former Chennaiyin players Elano Blumer, Bruno Pelissari and Raphael Augusto (all from Brazil) – the trio that used to set the stadia ablaze with their breathtaking ball control and sumptuous shot-making – Crivellaro is making a name for himself in ISL by producing stunners now and then.

“Of course, it is nice when you score goals which look pleasing on the eye. But they all count the same. Thus far, I have managed two. I hope to get a few more like that,” said Crivellaro, who also gifted the fans a beauty while playing against FC Goa at home. The Porto Alegre-born player, pulling the strings in the heart of the pitch, stressed it took a bit of time for the lads to achieve good on-field co-ordination.

“We had a lot of new faces coming into the squad ahead of the season. Now that we have played more than 10 matches, we know each other more. With every passing game, we are getting better in terms of understanding between players,” added Crivellaro, an Italian passport holder.

Despite ISL 2019-20 being his first stint on Indian soil, the midfielder has become an instant fan favourite. “The supporters here are fantastic, they love their players. It is a special feeling as the fans don’t put so much emphasis on the results. They just want their heroes to give the best for the team,” concluded Crivellaro.