Love for Mohun Bagan fans brought him back, claims Sony; says team-effort crucial to defend title
HAITIAN WINGER Sony Norde will register himself in Mohun Bagan's I-League squad at 6:15 pm today, at the IFA office.
Norde, who was an integral part of the squad that won the I-League for Mohun Bagan last season, was recently away on national duty and hence could not join the Mariners from the very start of the I-League season.
He arrived in Kolakta yesterday and joined the practice session this morning, following which he spoke to journalists at the club tent.
Sony Norde addressing the media. #EbarAbar pic.twitter.com/7Y8GhhWIem
— Mohun Bagan A.C. (@MohunBagan) January 19, 2016
About Bagan's chances this season, Norde said,
"This season is even more important for us. We have to retain the title. The team has started well but we have to keep this momentum. Personally we should fix targets for both I-League and AFC. Personally, I'm very excited to play in Asia."
Sony has joined the team quite late and there are questions regarding whether or not he will be used from the start in Saturday's Kolkata Derby. Norde left that to to the coach,
"Today I was under fitness training. I have 3 days to gel with the team. I have to work hard and combine... it's up to the team management to decide whether I will start on Saturday or not. To me the team comes first."
Sony is no stranger to the Kolkata Derby and the immense pressure of expectations that ride on the shoulders of players on the pitch that day. He asked the fans to stand behind the team no matter what happens,
"We will try to win on the 23rd. But this is a sport... even if something not so good happens on 23rd, your support is required because the entire league is left."
Getting ready for the derby pic.twitter.com/zGAkcM1j2m
— Mohun Bagan Fanatics (@MB_Fanatics1889) January 19, 2016
The negotiations between Sony Norde and Mohun Bagan officials went on for a long time, creating doubt over whether the fan-favourite player was going to return to the Green and Maroons at all. Sony said that the love he received from the Mohun Bagan fans played a major role in getting him to come back,
"I have offers from Mexico. But I love Mohun Bagan fans. My Facebook inbox was flooded with their messages. So when the club officials contacted me again and sorted out the differences, I instantly agreed to play for Bagan."
There were rumours going around that part of the reason Sony Norde delayed his return to Bagan was the club's decision not to sign his Haiti teammate Judelin Aveska for I-League. Sony said there were no issues on that regard,
"Judelin is my freind but it's not about my friend, it's about the well-being of the team. He played here. But the coach and the management were not happy with his performance and he respects that decisions... it's not about you and me but about Mohun Bagan only. I will try to win the I-League again for the fans. I'm happy to be back here."
The I-League is shorter this season thanks to multiple clubs pulling out of the league in the summer. Sony said it made the start to the campaign all the more important,
"We have to win the first few matches. It will make our task easier... Mohun Bagan have to play and prove why they are the champions."
Busy in fitness training with the team pic.twitter.com/9rAp4MQld3
— Mohun Bagan Fanatics (@MB_Fanatics1889) January 19, 2016
Sony added that he did not think that getting goals was the responsibility of one player in the club,
"Whether I score a goal or Glen scores a goal doesn't matter. Mohun Bagan has to score. The squad is good, anyone can score... I don't play for personal milestones. If it helps the team's cause I'm happy. One Sony doesn't matter, the team does."
Darling of Mohunbagan crowd is surrounded by fans! #Sonyfever #EbarAbar pic.twitter.com/5KdanvITCG
— Mohun Bagan A.C. (@MohunBagan) January 19, 2016
When asked about the new signing that has East Bengal fans excited, Sony gave a polite reply that will only contribute to the battle of nerves ahead of the Derby,
"We all know that Bernard Mendy is a good player. But more than one player, it's good football from the entire team that matters in the end."
