CHENNAI: Some raucous banter and leg-pulling was the order of the day, as sportswear brand Puma hosted the popular Chennaiyin FC players Bernard Mendy, Siam Hanghal, Hans Mulder, Mehraj Wadoo and Anirudh Thapa for a fun interactive meet and greet session at their store in Phoenix MarketCity.
The interaction, which was led by sports presenter and local lad Suhail Chandok, had an elated air following Chennaiyin FC’s win against FC Pune City on Tuesday, with Mendy and Mulder especially being all praise for the Chennai fans. “It’s like being with family,” said Mendy, on asked what it felt like to play for the team. “Especially when so many Indian players come up to you and ask advice on how to play better.”
The fans were entertained with some banter between Mendy and Mehraj, with each taking potshots at the other when questioned about their dressing-room camaraderie. “I was nervous because he’s such a great player. He’s very friendly and we are used to his presence as a manager around us,” added Anirudh. The session ended with a rapid-fire round and an interaction with fans.