Wellington Phoenix striker Roy Krishna had a busier off-season than most but says he can't wait for the new A-League football campaign to kick off.
The 29 year old captained Fiji in the Oceania Nations Cup in June and led his country at the Rio Olympics, scoring an historic goal against Mexico.
Roy Krishna celebrates a goal against Solomon Islands during the Oceania Nations Cup. Photo: OFC via Phototek
But with four pre-season games under his belt, Krishna is already counting down to Saturday's opening match against Melbourne City.
"I'm feeling great. It's been a long preseason and I just can't wait until the season starts and my body's looking pretty good so can't wait," he said.
"It's been a great experience, especially with Rio. Coming back I gained a lot of knowledge and hopefully I can show it on the field.
"It was just something that will stay with me for my lifetime. We were just enjoying every moment of Fiji playing against some of the big clubs and big players."
Roy Krishna (2nd R) and teammates celebrate his goal against Mexico at the Rio Olympics. Photo: AFP
The former Waitakere United and Auckland City frontman said his approach to the game has evolved significantly since signing with the Phoenix in January 2014.
"I've changed a lot in my playing career. Back in Auckland I was kind of a bit relaxed and kind of enjoying it but now there is every week you've got to perform and that is what I love, the pressure about, and with the coaches and squad we have they're helping me a lot in my soccer career so far," he said.
"The fans and the support I get back from home is something special and that gives me more motivation to perform each week and I'll take everything from that. My fan base in Wellington and especially in Auckland when we have a game will be pretty great and hopefully if the Fijians or Oceania people can come out and support the club.
"Our target is to get in to get in the top two and now we've just got to perform each week...every team is great and looking forward for the league to start."
Roy Krishna said it was a great honour to be the only Pacific Islander playing in the A-League but said there was plenty more players in the region that were capable of making the step up to professional football if given the opportunity.
Phoenix striker Roy Krishna Photo: Photosport
