The love from the supporters is why I decided to stay at Mohun Bagan: Bikramjit Singh
Mohun Bagan midfielder Bikramjit Singh has signed a one-year extension with the club following their I-League win in 2015. Singh said that playing in the AFC Cup and the celebrations at the end of last season were the reasons for his stay at the Kolkata club.
“I decided to sign in favour of Mohun Bagan, as I will be able to play the AFC Cup and also it is a great feeling to be able to play for the I-League Champions. Last but not the least, the love that I got from the supporters especially after winning the league is another factor why I decided to stay back here,” Singh told the Mohun Bagan website.
“I will never forget this [league win] in my entire life. I never imagined that so many supporters would come to greet us at the Airport, and what happened in the entire route from Airport to the club was just an unimaginable joy ride. It was a feeling of pride, excitement, happiness and satisfaction. Those 2 days were the best days of my life.”
“One of my relatives who stays in US, once said to me that I can earn a lot of money by playing in lower division leagues in other countries, but I will never get so much love and affection from the fans. This reaction from the fans motivates us footballers, to give more than 100%, even during adverse situations,” he added.
“Zico made me a better footballer”
When asked about how he felt playing under Brazillian legend Zico, the 22-year-old said that the experience had made him a better footballer.
“I have played under several good coaches in my club football career like Subhash Bhowmick, Sanjoy Sen, Karim Bencherifa etc., but it was a completely different experience to represent FC Goa in the Indian Super League under Zico's coaching.”
“I joined FC Goa a bit late and he gave me the first chance after few games, and there was no looking back for me after that. It is unbelievable that Zico, who was a legendary footballer, is such a down to earth person. The 1st season of Indian Super League has been a great learning experience for me and has definitely made me a better footballer,” said the ex-Churchill midfielder.
Mohun Bagan have already started looking at next season by completing the signings of Lenny Rodrigues, Sanjay Balmuchu and Brazilian defender Gustavo Silva along with retaining Katsumi Yusa, who was one of their standout players last season. Sony Norde has been offered a new contract, but the striker is keeping his options open for the time being.