Sabyasachi Bagchi: An explosion of emotion, just to touch him, just to feel him, desperation to click a selfie with the maestro. That too at midnight! The reception the Mohun Bagan fans had offered at the Kolkata Airport on Monday morning around 2 am to Sony Norde, would certainly be written on the pages of history. This is not just an emotion, right when the city is feeling saddened owing to the immersion of Deity Durga, the 29-year-old Haitian has been a fresh air of happiness to all the Mariners.
An overwhelming reception of almost 2,000-2,500 fans at the airport, followed by an escort by the Mohun Bagan fans all the way to the way to the hotel from the airport – this is how Sony Norde got the reception when he came back to the city after 10 months. The superstar winger spoke exclusively with www.xtratime.in journalist Sabyasachi Bagchi when he arrived at the hotel. Here goes the conversation:
XT: How do you feel after coming back to the city which you left on 23rd January?
Norde: It feels great. I can’t express in words. Kolkata has always been special for me. But it feels wonderful to see how Mohun Bagan fans and officials have remembered me. I am getting ready to prove myself on the field.
XT: Many have questions on your fitness levels. When do you think you can get going on the field?
Norde: I have told before as well, I’m 100% fit. But for the long flight journey, I am feeling a bit tired. Monday I’ll have my medical. Tuesday I’ll go through the fitness test when I’ll join the squad. I am optimistic of clearing all the tests. It could have been better had I joined the team a few days earlier and could have played a few pre-season matches. The I-League is about to begin soon. I wanna work hard on my fitness. Hopefully, I can play from the first or the second match.
XT: Did you become a bit emotional after that amazing reception from the Mohun Bagan fans?
Norde: Not just emotional, I am highly impressed to see the scenes out there. That is why I came to the hotel with the warmth of their love. They love and respect me since the day I came to play football in this country. More importantly, they have faith in me. They want to win, so do I. That is why I am giving it all on the ground to respond to their hopes. The fans always motivate me. Today’s reception is the best gift which I had. It will motivate me to perform even more when I will play for my club.
XT: East Bengal have a big-budget squad this time with a top coach. They also had their pre-season in Malaysia. Will you guys be under a bit pressure?
Norde: Why so? I want to wish them all the luck. But will see them on the ground.
XT: Do you want to repeat the sten gun celebration in the derby?
Norde: (Chuckling smile) No No… All that I want is to win the game. Nothing more.
XT: Is this comeback become possible because of Srinjoy Bose and Debasish Dutta?
Norde: Obviously. They have always been there with me as a friend. It’s because of them I never miss my family despite staying far away from them.
XT: Do you want to dedicate the title to you little girl Hanni Kaihara if you win the I-League?
Norde: She is very lucky for me. I want to bring her soon as well. I want to dedicate my first goal or the first title to her only.