Kolkata, Jan 22 (PTI) Mohun Bagan's star I-League winningforward Sony Norde today broke into tears as he bid anemotional farewell to the club with a promise that he would be"back".
Struggling with a right knee, Norde, who had guided MohunBagan to I-League and Federation Cup titles, sought atermination of his contract to head to Argentina where he willundergo surgery for his torn meniscus.
Emotional scenes were witnessed in their 2-0 derby winover East Bengal yesterday as about 20,000 supporters adornedNorde's masks and many were also seen sporting the trademarkSony Norde mohawk hairdo.
"It was hard for me to take the decision. I couldn'tsleep that night when I took the decision because it was veryhard for me," an emotional Norde said.
"I hope you guys try and keep winning. I will pray forMohun Bagan to win every match. Thank you very much and I willsee you very soon," Norde said as a hundreds of supporters hadgathered at the club tent.
"Keep fighting, team. Give your 100 per cent in the pitchand win every game. Mohun Bagan will stay, but I have to go.
Mohun Bagan lives forever," he said with moist eyes.
Recollecting his association with the club, Norde furtheradded: "What a thrill it was. This club gave me everything,but I have to leave for my career, future and family. I needto be at my best. If I continue playing despite the injury, itis not good for me.""I'll come back to Mohun Bagan. Want to thank theofficials who treated me like I was always at home. I nevermissed my family when I was here," the 28-year-old, who joinedthe team in 2014, said.
He also tried to console the supporters and said: "It'svery hard for me seeing the supporters cry. When I was comingfor the event this morning, they were crying. I promise youguys that I will come back after recovery from the injury.
This is the only way I can give you all the love back.
"Today it's not about me, it's about Mohun Bagan. Theyare becoming bigger day by day. We could have scored 6-7 goalsyesterday (in the Kolkata derby)," he said.
"You can compare the club with every team in the worldbut you cannot compare the supporters," he concluded. PTI TAPSSCSSC.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.