'I just went out there and gave my best', Dimitrios Petratos on scoring the winning goal for Mohun Bagan

Mohun Bagan SG forward Dimitrios Petratos delivered when it mattered the most, netting the decisive goal in the Shield-clinching match.

Despite facing criticism for not being at his best this season, the Australian forward silenced doubters with a performance full of grit and determination.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Petratos acknowledged the challenges he has faced but remained focused on contributing to his team’s success.

"This is part of football. It's part of life. This is how it is. Look, I just went out there and gave my best like I do every single time and ended up getting the winning goal. All credit goes to all the players, of course, for the whole 90 minutes. We worked hard, and not just in these 90 minutes but the entire season," he said.

When asked about the secret to his success in crucial games, Petratos emphasized staying in the moment and trusting the process.

"When I got called over, I felt the energy from the crowd. I didn't think about scoring. I just thought, go out there and do whatever you can to help the team get the win. And it just turned out that way. My mindset was very clear—I wasn’t thinking too much, just staying in the moment," he said.

The 'clutch' player

Petratos, who came on as a substitute in the 78th minute, did not let time dictate his impact.

"I didn’t look at the time. I just told myself, that even if I get one minute, it's a chance. So I tried to do my best with the minutes I had."

His goal was his first in two months, with his last strike coming on December 19. Addressing this goal drought, he explained that setbacks are part of the game.

"How many minutes have I played in the last two months? I've had little niggles and setbacks. But this is part of life. You cannot give up. The last two months were not a failure for me. You only fail when you stop. So I never gave up, and it worked out for me."

With Mohun Bagan still in the hunt for the championship, Petratos was asked about the team's mindset going forward.

"Of course, this is part of the game—you play to win things. It’s not just about this last game. We want to win every game we go into. There’s still a long way to go, and we will enjoy tonight, but we have two more games, then the semis, and hopefully the final. We will give our best to be there and get the win."

Petratos has scored several crucial goals for Mohun Bagan in the past, but when asked where he would place this one, he ranked it among his top three.

"Yes, of course, it’s in the top three, mostly for the emotion behind it in such a great game. You saw how I celebrated with the fans and my teammates. I’d like to dedicate this goal to my family — my wife and kids, parents, siblings, grandparents. My grandfather always used to ask me why I wasn't scoring, so this one is for him."

With the Shield secured, Mohun Bagan now shifts its focus to the championship as they aim to complete the double.

Petratos continues delivering in crucial moments, his name will be remembered for years to come in Indian football history.