Nirmal Chettri to don green and maroon jersey

Nirmal Chettri sent a press release today saying that "I shall join McDowell Mohun Bagan as a registered professional player for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 football seasons. The contract to this effect will be signed with me and McDowell Mohun Bagan."

Born on October 21, 1990, Nirmal Chettri started his professional football career in Air India. He started his career as a striker but later became a defender. Other than playing as a stopper back, he can also play as a right back and as a holding medio.

We had a chat with Nirmal Chettri today.

1. Was there any specific reason for you to join Mohun Bagan?

Nirmal: Yes, the main reason why I signed for Mohun Bagan is that I had a dream of playing for the big Kolkata clubs. This was my dream from the childhood, and even my family and my academy coaches wanted me to play for the big clubs of Kolkata.

2. What will be your target in Mohun Bagan?

Nirmal: Firstly, to gel up with all the teammates especially with the foreigners, though I know Odafa and Tolgay. The most important target will be the first training session and team's first friendly game and later the first tournament that Mohun Bagan will be playing.

My target will be to win each and every trophy that Mohun Bagan will play in the coming season. I know it's not always possible to win every match that we play, but as a team we will work hard and give our best in all the Championship that we play.

3. In the last few years, Mohun Bagan defence has conceded many soft goals which has resulted in poor performance of the team. Do you think inclusion of few good defenders like you will help stabilize the defence?

Nirmal: Definitely, I will take extra responsibility in defence and will develop good combination with other defenders and will try our best to form a solid defence, as it has been a big concern for the team in the last 2 seasons.

Football is a team game and alone I can't do magic but I will try to help out other defenders by sharing my experience and hopefully Mohun Bagan will have a good defence next season.

Also, we will sit with coach and discuss where we need to work hard and be consistent in defence. I can assure you, in the coming season, defenders will play a vital role in Mohun Bagan winning matches!
4. In which positions you have so far played in your career? You started your career as right back or stopper? Have you ever played in midfield?

Nirmal: I started as a striker in my childhood days and then shifted to midfield, but my coach (Hangu Norden) used me as a stopper in SAARC championship and from then on I started playing as a stopper, but I want to give full credit to former Air India Coach, Bimal Ghosh, who helped me to mature as a good defender in the country.

I personally feel I will be in the center of defence for Mohun Bagan next year, but if team needs me to void any other place, I will be more than happy.

Right back and defensive midfielder are the 2 positions where I can also play other than in stopper back.

5. From which year you are playing for the Indian team? Your best match for India?

Nirmal: I am playing for the Indian National Team since 2008. I was part of all the camps under Bob Houghton Sir. Under Savio Sir, I made my debut in last year's SAFF Championship held at Delhi.

I have represented Indian in the U-14, U-17, U-19 and U-23 categories.

My best match for India has been against Maldives in SAFF 2011 semi final which we won 3-1.

6. Your score prediction for the UEFA Champions League final?

Nirmal: First of all, I'm not supporting anyone as my team Manchester United is already out of the tournament. I want Bayern Munich to win but my prediction is Chelsea will win 2-1.

As a football lover, I'll watch this match and I'm going to bet for Chelsea as a Champion and Bayern as a underdog, but I hope that the team who plays better football tomorrow will lift the trophy.

Thanks a lot Nirmal for talking to us and best of luck for the coming season.

Nirmal: Thank You so much.