If needed I can play 120 minutes- Sony Norde

The Haitian magician set to return for Mohun Bagan after being sidelined for several months.

It was an emotional day for Mohun Bagan heartthrob Sony Norde as he addressed media on the same place where he left last year teary-eyed after a long-term injury. The Haitian also claimed that the only thing that has changed from then is his facial expression, he is happy now and eager to take the field for the Mariners again this year.

Sony Norde expressed his feelings that he is glad to be back here in Kolkata as he feels like home. Norde also revealed that he is ready to take the field again for the club and the supporters.

The Haitian promised to give his 100% for the Green and Maroons again and when asked about his fitness he said, "I am ready, if needed I can even play 120 minutes but its a decision the coach has to take and his call is final".

Norde spoke highly about his teammates this season. "The team showed what they are capable of in the CFL (Calcutta Football League) and hope they will replicate similar performance in the I-League as well. We have some very good young players like Pintu and along with the foreigners we really have a good bunch of local players."

The Haitian will join Dipanda Dicka and Henry Kisekka in the starting lineup very soon and when asked about his opinion on the formation of the deadly trio, he said, "Both of them are great players, everybody knows Dicka and how good he is."

"On the other hand, Henry is proving himself in Mohun Bagan colours from the start of CFL and will look to do the same in the I-League as well. I will look to play my best and help them score more goals," he opined.

The Haitian also revealed how difficult was the rehabilitation period was for him. "I had some coaches over in Miami during my period of recovery and they helped me a lot to get back in shape. It is always a tough time for a sportsperson to stay out of the field, but injuries are a part of life and you can't help it," Norde said.

"You have to be mentally very strong to overcome from that difficult phase. It was the worst nine months of my life"," he added.

Norde also cleared the air that bringing him was not an election tactic from Swapan Sadhan Bose and other members. when asked about the offers he had while getting back to fitness he said, "No it was not only Mohun Bagan who contacted me, I had offers from ISL clubs like ATK, Jamshedpur and Delhi Dynamos. One club from Dubai also contacted me but now i am here, ready to play for Mohun Bagan again and that's all that matters".

The Haitian believes that everything does not rely on his shoulders completely as players like Dicka and Henry along with the local players are more than capable to take the pressure off him and allow him to take the time he needs to get back to his best form.

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The 29-year-old also mentioned the famous Sten Gun celebration. "It is something which I did in the heat of the moment it was pure emotion from the game. it was the fans who made it famous," he told.

The Haitian remained tight-lipped that whether the famous celebration will be repeated or not this season.

The winger was also quizzed whether he has followed bitter rivals East Bengal and how they have gone by their business in the two matches. "They have started very good because winning two away matches is not easy" he said.

"I have seen both their matches. They are playing good football or they dont play good football doesnt matter, they want to win. It is not something about Mohun Bagan, as our team also wants to go all out for three points. Still now the league has just started and still a long way to go" he continued.

According to Norde, the I-League is very unpredictable and the team that will play well throughout will lift the trophy but Mohun Bagan will always be a contender for the trophy.

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The forward spoke highly about his current coach Shankarlal Chakraborty when asked about his experience as he has played under Sanjoy Sen as well.

"In my four years at the club under Sanjoy Sen, Sankarlal was there as an assistant coach. They are different personalities but both of them are good person and very good coach," he concluded.