Kolkata: Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Subrata Paul, under fire following the death of Brazilian striker Cristiano Junior, today (Dec 9, 2004) rejoined practice and asserted that he would 'under no circumstances' give up football, even if his family so desired.

''Under no circumstances will I leave football. I cannot live without soccer. I have grown up playing this game,'' Paul told newspersons after the morning practice session at the club.

When it was pointed out that his father was in favour of him quitting the game, Paul said, ''I would like to iterate that I will not leave soccer even if my parents so desired. I will try to convince them''.

Proclaiming his innocence over Junior's death, Paul said ''I did whatever was needed only to save the goal''.

Paul has been assailed by sections of the soccer fraternity including some football stars after television replays showed that he had hit Junior after the Brazilian had scored the second goal for his club Dempo Sports club during Sunday's Federation Cup final.

Asked why he was repeatedly getting involved in on-field disturbances, Paul said, ''I give hundred per cent under the bar. I get so much involved in the game that it seems that I am aggressive''.

Terribly upset at the accusations levelled against him, Paul's 65 year old father Pranballav has said, ''Enough is enough. I will not let him play football anymore''.

Paul said that he felt terribly bad at the tragic death of Junior. ''I feel terribly bad for Junior. I wept a lot at the way a footballer died''.

Asked whether he was now under psychological pressure after the Brazilian's demise, Paul said, ''I want to focus only on playing the game to the best of my abilities. The other matters will be taken care of by my coach and club officials''.

The 19- year old goalkeeper, who is regarded as one of the most promising young players in the circuit now, said that his next target was to play the National football League.

''I also have the dream of turning out for India,'' he said, facing a volley of questions from the hordes of mediapersons, who descended at the club tent to get his quotes while the shutterbugs got busy with their cameras.