Playing with both Jeje and Sunil Chhetri is almost effortless: Sony Norde

Sony Norde ISL
Playing with both Jeje and Sunil Chhetri is almost effortless: Sony Norde | Image : ISL

Kolkata: Sony Norde, the Haitian winger has been the most influential foreigner since he joined Mohun Bagan a couple of seasons back. The biggest heart-throb of Mohun Bagan these days joined Mumbai City FC, despite lucrative offers from Atletico de Kolkata for yet another season in the Indian Super League. Though Sony was reluctant to answer any question regarding his next destination after the ISL, the Mohun Bagan coach has been in regular contact with him. Inspite of the hectic schedule, Sony Norde managed to speak with Suman Chakravorty of www.xtratime.in to reveal a few facts which his fans were eagerly waiting to know. From the experience of accompanying Diego Forlan, his new marital life to the partnership with Jeje and Sunil Chhetri, Sony was conspicuous in his answers to all the questions. Here goes the conversation:

XT: How big a moment is it for you to play alongside Diego Forlan?
Sony: It’s a huge honour. He’s a golden boot winner and not to mention one of the best strikers in the world in recent years. He’s a great person and a great presence both on and off the field. And there’s a lot to learn from him and his experience at every step.

XT: Atletico de Kolkata was highly hopeful about signing you for the new season. What motivated you to sign for the Mumbai City FC?
Sony: Yes, there was an offer on the table from ATK. But I love Mumbai. I’m comfortable with the team and I’m very happy here. My teammates from last season also were a huge part of what made me stay here. So when Mumbai said they wanted me back, I had no second thoughts because this is home.

XT: You had a brilliant combination with Sunil Chettri in the previous season for Mumbai City FC. What plays as an “X-Factor” when you two play in together?
Sony: It’s always a great experience playing alongside Sunil. Whenever we play together, we know each others style, each others movement and each others thinking. We combined really well last season and I can’t wait to play with him again.

XT: Coach Alexandre Guimaraes has a huge experience in his kitty. How has been the experience to work with him?
Sony: He’s a great coach, a true professional. I believe Mumbai City are in great hands with him. He’s always looking to improve upon the previous performance and there’s only one thing on his mind – to win. Everyone can learn great things from him. Speaking for myself, when he asks me to do something, I try to do it in the best way possible because I know he always means well.

XT: How is your new marital life? Will she come to watch the any of the ISL games?Sony: It’s a new phase of life, a big step and we both couldn’t be happier. Will she come to India? Let’s see. Nothing is decided yet.

XT: Jeje or Sunil, with whom you feel comfortable to play with?
Sony: It’s tough to say. Both are fantastic strikers. But at the same time, both are different players. Jeje is someone who will attack every ball in the box. Sunil, on the other hand, is someone who likes falling back, building the play from the midfield.

I played with Jeje at Mohun Bagan and now with Sunil at Mumbai City but my understanding with both of them is at par. Like I mentioned earlier, Sunil and I know each others game very well and similar is the case with Jeje. Playing with both of them is almost effortless because both of them are extremely good forwards