ISL 2017/18: ATK's Zequinha pays heartfelt tribute to late father after wonder goal against NorthEast United FC
Zequinha thanks the heavens after scoring against NorthEast United on Friday
What's the story?
ATK's left winger Zequinha paid an emotional tribute to his late father after scoring a wonder goal against NorthEast United FC on Friday.
In case you didn't know...
Zequinha has been one of ATK's best players this ISL season having scored two vital goals and provided one assist in nine games. His mazy runs down the left have left opposition full backs in a tricky situation time and again.
The heart of the matter
ATK had come into this game on the back of a loss against Bengaluru FC and needed a win at any cost to keep their campaign on track.
In the absence of their captain Robbie Kean, Zequinha decided to raise his game and was instrumental in building up quite a few attacking moves. He was also denied by TP rehenesh on a couple of occasions.
However, in the 73rd minute when a loose clearance fell on to his path, the Portuguese made no mistake as he deposited it, on the volley, to the top right corner of the goal to calm down the nerves of his team.
He celebrated by kissing a tattoo on his arm and later went on to say, "This means a lot for me. It is my father's tattoo. He passed away one year and three months back. I know he is up there and he always blesses me. So I am very happy to score a goal for him and he is always in my heart."
What's next?
ATK are currently sixth in the table and will be up against two of the best teams in the league - FC Pune City and Chennaiyin FC in back to back games.
Author's take
Zequinha is a player who has always tried to give his best on the pitch to lift the struggling defending champions. He was quite emotional on the night to a grab a goal and his father's thoughts provided him extra motivation to succeed. He did a great job and can only get better from here on.