Krishna rubbishes exit talk

Roy Krishna has labelled a report linking the Wellington Phoenix’s new all-time leading goal scorer with a move away from the A-League club as ‘‘total rubbish’’.

Goal.com reported on Tuesday that the off-contract striker has expressed interest in departing the club, with his preference being a move to Asia.

However, according to both Krishna and his manager, Rex Dawkins, the report is well wide of the mark.

‘‘It’s total rubbish. I have no idea [where that came from],’’ Krishna said. ‘‘I’d love to [stay with the Phoenix long-term] but my main focus is to do well and for myself. Hopefully, we can get to the playoffs and do well.’’

Dawkins echoed Krishna’s comments and said the Goal.com report was ‘‘a story made in the heavens’’.

‘‘There’s no substance to that story. No substance whatsoever,’’ Dawkins said.

‘‘He is not unhappy where he is. He is as happy as a sand boy. That [story] came as a surprise to me probably more than him. But hand on heart there’s nothing in it.’’

Krishna, who has spent his entire professional career in New Zealand, was left disappointed when the Phoenix turned down a big money offer from Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids for his services last season.

However, the 31-year-old eventually re-signed with the club, extending his stay until the end of the 2018/19 A-League season.

‘‘He probably a bit like everybody, he was pretty down with the coaching last year and he was keen to get out at that stage because he and the coach just did not see eye to eye and it affected him as well.

‘‘But he’s happy. He loves Mark Rudan and he has settled back really well.’’

On Sunday, Krishna overtook Paul Ifill as the Phoenix’s all-time leading scorer when he netted his 34th goal in a 1-1 draw with Perth Glory.

‘‘He’s a great guy and I’m so humbled to pass him,’’ Krishna said. ‘‘I have a huge respect for him and he taught me a lot.’’

Meanwhile, Dawkins said he was confident that Krishna will be granted New Zealand citizenship before the January transfer window opens, which would allow the Phoenix to sign another import.

‘‘I’m very positive it will happen and I’m positive it will happen hopefully before the January window, that’s what I’m hoping.’’

The Phoenix are away to Sydney FC on Saturday.

‘‘It’s total rubbish. I have no idea [where that came from].’’ Roy Krishna, above.