Bagan skipper wants to play in ISL next season

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Bengaluru, November 22: For the first time in Indian football, two Leagues are talking place at the same time. Indian Super League and I-League will go on simultaneously this season which means the top players will be available to play either in I-League or ISL.

One of the biggest surprises ahead of the season was Mohun Bagan talisman Sony Norde opting to stay at Mohun Bagan in I-League despite big money offers from ISL.

The Haiti international has been one of the best foreign players in I-League over the last few years and he could have easily gotten a lucrative package if he had signed for an ISL club but he chose to stay at his beloved Kolkata club.

However, the upcoming I-League season may be the last time we see Sony Norde in Mohun Bagan colours, as the Haitian winger would prefer to play in the ISL next season.

With talks of a merger on the horizon, the Mohun Bagan star stated his desire to play in the ISL, which he believes, is more organised.

"They say that next season these teams (Mohun Bagan and East Bengal) will also be in the ISL, so that would be good. Otherwise, I may have to change (teams) next season," Norde told the media.

"I had so many offers from the ISL teams this season, but I signed for Mohun Bagan. I am happy to be here for now."

"They say that they will have only one (top) league in the country from next season. But if they have one league, then they have to bring Mohun Bagan and East Bengal in at any cost," he said.

"They are the most popular teams in the country. For me, it will be better if Mohun Bagan play ISL next season."

"Artificial grounds are too hard. But when you play on natural grass, you can see the difference. As a football player, you would have to adapt to everything. But you get more injuries on artificial grass. Natural grass, on the other hand, is soft, and good to play on," he added.