Sony Norde chooses Mumbai City over AtK; better pay does the trick

THE HAITIAN STRIKER, who is one of the most talked about player in Indian football right now is set to make his ISL debut for Mumbai City FC. This comes after he was aggressively pursued by multiple ISL franchises, especially Atletico de Kolkata. But in the end, Mumbai City's offer, believed to be around 65 lakhs for the season, reportedly stood out. 

In the middle of the 2014-15 football season Sony Norde made a much awaited move to I-League club Mohun Bagan. His presence brought immediate impact and he became a favourite among the fans. He went on to make 19 appearances for the Kolkata side and scored 9 goals, in addition to several assists. But he also made headlines for his ability to promote team spirit in the dressing room, and being a mentor to junior players. Mohun Bagan went on to have an extraordinary season in his presence, clinching the league title after 13 years in the very last match of the season. 

Norde had grabbed eyeballs in 2013-14 playing for Bangladeshi club Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi, when he was declared the Most Valuable Player of the Bangladesh Premier League for that season. During that time his club visited India to play in the IFA Shield, where his lethal free-kicks and sharp dribbling caught the fancy of the Kolkata crowd.

His spell at Mumbai City, however, will probably be as a loan, as Norde is reportedly about to sign a mammoth 3-year contract extension with Mohun Bagan, valued at Rs 6.6 crore. The player has spoken highly of the support he has received from the fans and officials at Bagan, and that is a primary motivation behind his wish to remain at the club.