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Football
Mohun Bagan bids adieu to its most precious treasure, Sony Norde
Not all foreigners create an everlasting impact in an Indian club, but there are few exceptions. Haitian Sony Norde is one of them. When the whole structure of Indian football started becoming ISL-centric, the players flocked to gain the lucrative offers, but Sony decided to stay loyal to his club Mohun Bagan. However, recent developments forced the footballer to part ways with the century-old club halfway in the league, that too just before the Kolkata Derby! Sony impressed during the 2014 IFA Shield when he steered his former club Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club to the finals. The sensational footwork caught everyone's eye, but it was the Bagan who made the first leap to secure his services. The green and maroons had the reputation of spending the most among the Indian clubs, not surprising that they roped in Sony Norde the next season. His impact was immediate, his skills, set-piece movements, all contributed to Mohun Bagan's first I-League triumph in 2015. The following year, he kept on delivering the entire season but missed the I-League by a whisker. Although, he compensated by guiding the Mariners to a record 14th Federation Cup title. He also took care of his National duties having fled to the USA after the Federation Cup win for the 2016 Copa America Centenario. Reports suggest that Sony himself approached the management and insisted to release him as he had to undergo a surgery on his knees. He confessed that he would not be able to give his 100% for the rest of the season and the presence of him might hamper the morale of the team. Such is the affection for his club that the footballer from Central America has denied to taking single for the rest of the season Mohun Bagan started the on-going season on a positive note, but their tie against Churchill Brothers was the start of a downfall. Japanese recruit Yuka Kinowaki who played an anchor role during the last Kolkata Derby suffered a serious injury and is yet to play a game after that. Sony Norde also got injured during that game, though he scored the 5th and final goal of the match. Source: Aj Kal Sony was fielded during Mohun Bagan's match against NEROCA FC, but the decision is proving to be one of the blunders the club made this season. It was clearly visible that he was struggling in the field, and since then he never recovered. East Bengal will be ahead on papers in the Derby taking into consideration the recent form, but they will be relieved that the man who wears the No.16 shirt for the green and maroon brigade won't be taking the field at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Mohun Bagan is a club which promises a lot of surprises and they have done it yet again. The fans of the historic club have prepared around 15000 masks with Sony's face on it which they will wear during their match against East Bengal on January 21. Suggesting the management to find a replacement for him, the Bagan bosses are reportedly in talks with Ethiopian Fikru Teferra. Sony Norde got a grand farewell from the supporters on the last day he paid a visit to the Mohun Bagan ground. The walk of few metres from the club tent to the main gate of the club ground took more than 10 minutes for the talismanic winger to cover as hundreds of passionate fans tried to get a last glimpse of the great man. It was an emotional moment and reminded of Brazilian Jose Ramirez Barreto who left in tears the last time he left the club ground!
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