Yet to receive cash prize, says Mohun Bagan footballer Norde

Mohun Bagan star Sony Norde on Sunday said he his yet to receive the prize money for the 'Man of the Match' awards he has been won over the three seasons with the club.

The Haitian international has been one of the star players for the Kolkata giants, scoring 17 goals in the 45 matches he has played since joining the side in 2014.

"I did not receive anything. I won Man of the Match awards in the I-League last season as well as this season. I was also adjudged the best player in the Federation Cup. But I am yet to receive the cash," Norde told reporters here on Sunday.

The 27-year-old winger, however, adopted a philosophical attitude, claiming that he is happy to play his part in the team's success and is not bothered by the issue.

"If they give me the money, no problem. If they don't want to give, also I don't have a problem," he said.

Norde, who represented Haiti at the Copa America last year, said it is up to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the sponsors to resolve the issue.

"It is the responsibility of the sponsors to pay the money to the club or the federation. When they want to pay, they will pay. So I don't have a problem. I won't talk to them (sponsors). It is not my job," he said.

Norde refused to divulge his future and declined from confirming whether he will turn out for Mohun Bagan next season.

"For now, I want to go home and enjoy with my family. I only want to meet my family for now," he said.

"Nothing is sure for now. So what I will do is go home and enjoy with my family."

The Haitian, who has scored twice in 27 matches for his national team, was not too happy with Mohun Bagan's trophy less run this season.

"We had good games, bad games. We lost the I-League and the Federation Cup. So not too much to say," he opined.

Norde also expressed happiness at Real Madrid's trimph in the Champions League final. The reigning Spanish league champions defeated Italian giants Juventus 4-1 in Saturday night's final to win the title for two years in a row.

"(I am) very happy. Real Madrid played very well. They keep the ball possession in all the games. They do the best and Cristiano Ronaldo scored for us. Isco was also playing well. I am happy," he said.

--IANS

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