Cristiano Junior joined East Bengal in the middle of this season on advise of his good friend Douglas, when East Bengal were going through a lean patch. And Cristiano immediately has been the revolution. He dethroned Ghanian Yakubu Yusif as the 8th National League's top scorer and also is the leading scorer for East Bengal in the AFC Cup. We catch up with him to discuss about life at East Bengal and some of the challenges he faced.

What brought you to India and East Bengal?

I came here by help of Douglas, he requested me to come and play in India and for East Bengal.

What will you attribute the reason behind your success?

I attribute this success first for God and Jesus, because they are the inspiration of my life, after than to my Wife and my family, and off course the East Bengal fans.

What were your expectations and ambitions of East Bengal as a club and Indian football, when you joined East Bengal?

My first target when I joined East Bengal were get the championship. And God give us that and after that God gave me the NFLs top scorer boot as well.

What are your comments on East Bengal fans?

I like them very much, because they have received me very well.

A word or two about East Bengal team mates, coach, management and staff?

About East Bengal team, I think its the best in India and we have proved this in the NFL. About coach he is very good as he understands so much about the football.

A word or two about East Bengal's team spirit?

When I came here the spirit was not good, because the team had lost two tournaments. But we improved match after match. Also this improved the spirit in team also.

Can you tell us about some of the challenges that you had set before the start of the season?

My challenges at the start of the season were to get NFL, qualify for AFC Cup and I score the highest number of goals.

With East Bengal consistently playing among the elite of Asia and doing well in Asia and NFL, do you think East Bengal has set a standard for other Indian clubs to follow?

I think so, because others Indian clubs have to follow the good examples set by East Bengal. East Bengal has proved there class in boths championships.

What do you think about the future of East Bengal in coming months?

About the East Bengal's future will be promising in coming months in the AFC cup.

Which would you judge as your best goal for East Bengal this season?

My best goals in this season are three: Against Tollygunge, Vasco and JCT.

How do you rate your chances in AFC Cup? Do you think East Bengal will live upto its tag as one of the title favorites for AFC Cup?

I think if East Bengal can keep the same performace as in NFL and in the first phase of the AFC Cup, then we will have very good chances of getting the AFC Cup.

A word or two about the upcoming tournament in Leicester in late-July/early-August? What's your opinion on that?

Talking about the coming tournament in Leicester, its very important to keep the image of our side, the country and for us, the players.

A final word for millions of East Bengal and Indian football fans across India and worldwide?

Everybody enjoy the champion of NFL and keep the confidence in us for AFC Cup.

Thank you for your time in talking to IndianFootball.Com and best of luck for the future!