Sabyasachi Bagchi, Siliguri: After scoring his first goal in the Kolkata derby to lead his side to an emphatic victory, Mohun Bagan’s Haitian winger Sony Norde has appeared to be the new God for the Bagan supporters. The Haitian spoke exclusively with www.xtratime.in representative Sabyasachi Bagchi in a free-flowing interaction. Here goes the excerpts:
XT: Do you think this is the best match of your playing career?
Sony: No, not that. This was a very important victory for us. I scored my first derby goal. The team worked really hard. Feeling very happy.
XT: You have been playing really well. You scored a brilliant goal today as well. What do you want to say about your performance?
Sony: Well, I had an injury on my knee and that is why I was moving slowly. But of late I recovered. Against Bengaluru as well I played really well. If I’m fit, I can do anything which I want. We are in good form. We have now scored 8 goals in the last three games.
XT: What do you want to say on your first goal in the derby?
Sony: I think my son has given me the luck. Because the last time when I came back from Haiti, things started to change ang I believe a lot of good things are still to happen.
XT: Will you bring your wife and son to India?
Sony: No, I will now finish my dinner and then will give a video call to my wife and son.
XT: Siliguri is known to be the fortress for the East Bengal side. Any message for your team?
Sony: Thanks to them for coming. Without the fans we are nothing. This is the moment for them to enjoy and celebrate.
XT: In the last season you couldn’t play the derby at Siliguri. Did that play as an extra motivation to perform well?
Sony: Yeah surely. I never lost any game against East Bengal in the last three years. But today it was important for me to prove that when I’m fit, it’s really difficult to criticise me. I had bad times but thanks to the coach and officials for their support.
XT: After the first leg, a Bagan supporter named Soumyo Mukherjee had to sacrifice his life. You wrote condolence messages on your social media accounts as well. Do you say anything on that today?
Sony: He was coming to support us. We have played for him and will play the final games for him as well.
XT: What do you want to say about Azharuddin’s performance?
Sony: Very good. He is young and talented. A very important player for us. If he keeps working hard, he will be one of the best players for Mohun Bagan.
XT: What do you want to say about Wedson’s performance today?
Sony: He played well today. You have to give time to him to get used to with the Indian football. He played in Bangladesh and the standard of football in India is too high compare to Bangladesh. I hope he will prove himself in the next game.
XT: Your commitment level has been inspirational for the others. What do you want to say about it?
Sony: Well. We are a team and all the players, coaching staff and officials are equally committed. Like us, every time, when we need money, the officials come forward to solve the issue. This is the way it is.