We have left the past behind: Robert Pires

Kolkata: French World Cup winner and FC Goa star Robert Pires on Saturday insisted that they are not carrying any bitter memories of their previous encounter against Atletico de Kolkata into their ISL semifinal as the two teams get ready for the crucial match.

"I don't like the word revenge. What happened was past. The most important thing is to live in present. I repeat this is a different match. The objective now is to go to Mumbai for the final," the former Arsenal star about his bust-up with ATK coach Antonio Habas during the 1-2 loss in the first leg.

FCG had suffered four defeats in first six outings but they hit momentum at the business end as they are in the middle of a dream run of five wins in seven matches.

"We had confidence since beginning. It's true we started in a shaky way. But the most important thing was to reach semis. Now we're here. We are very happy and confident. This is a different game and we know we have two games left. We are all prepared."

"The most important thing is to win. We are playing very well at the moment. We are very good at defence, as well as attacking, we are a balanced side. All of us want to go to Mumbai for the final."

Pires further picked the Indian trio of Romeo Fernandes, Narayan Das and Mandar Desai and said the future of Indian football is in good hands.

"I'm very surprised with them. Some of the Indian players have made good progress. You have players like Romeo Fernandes, Narayan Das and Mandar Desai. This is very important for your national team. The future looks good."

It may not be an easy but the 41-year-old hoped to return again the next edition.

"I hope yes. It depends on the organisers. But I'm ready, I love football, it's a big passion for me. The two and half months here have been a great experience. India is incredible," he signed off.