Mohun Bagan Super Giant forward Manvir Singh is into his sixth year with the club and he shed light on his journey with the team which has involved forming a strong bond with the fans and also embracing the local culture in Kolkata.

The 29-year-old has made 111 appearances for the Mariners in the ISL, contributing 23 goals and 18 assists in the process and has won the ISL League Shield and the Cup twice.

Home away from home

Having started his ISL career with FC Goa, Manvir blossomed in Kolkata with Mohun Bagan Super Giant and has become one of the most threatening Indian forwards in the ISL.

“This is my sixth season (in Kolkata) and I feel like home here,” Manvir told MBSG TV.

“Kolkata is called the Mecca of Indian Football. The atmosphere here is totally different. It's not like this even in the Premier League the way our fans come to every match and support us,” he added.

“Football is a festival for the people of Kolkata and that's why Kolkata's football is totally different,” he continued.

Watch Manvir Singh’s full interview below

Apart from the footballing side, Manvir has also embraced the cultural side of Kolkata.

“I love to go out during Durga Puja,” he said.

“Three years ago, I went pandal hopping wearing a mask with Vishal (Kaith) and Deepak (Tangri). It's a huge festival and I enjoy being a part of it. It's amazing to see how much people invest in making a pandal. There's a healthy competition for that,” he added.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s twelfth man

Manvir’s dedication on the field hasn’t gone unnoticed with the fans who adore him every time he dons the green and maroon jersey and the Punjab-born forward acknowledges the love he gets from the stands.

“When the team's performance is down, the fans turn up for the training sessions and push us to give our 100%. I won't say that it's a pressure but I would say it's a motivation,” he said.

“When we step out from the tunnel, the fans' noise hits us like a wave. It gives us confidence and motivates us. When a player sees himself or his name on a tifo, he gets a feeling that the fans are doing so much for us and we have to give it back to them,” he added.

Setting high standards

The close bond with the fans means Manvir and Co feel the emotions that the fans undergo especially after defeats and wins. Addressing the recent defeat to arch-rivals East Bengal FC in the quarter-finals of the Durand Cup, Manvir felt it has driven the players to do even better.

“Mohun Bagan Super Giant is a team of that level that we can't lose a match. We have to win every match. Even when we draw a match, the atmosphere in the dressing room gets very serious. No one in the club will be happy to reach the semi-finals. Our sole motive is to win trophies. From the owner to the manager, everyone wants us to win,” he said.

The Mariners have been the most successful teams in the last three seasons winning the ISL League Shield and Cup twice while also claiming one Durand Cup title. Having achieved dominance on the domestic arena, Manvir and Co are now eyeing success on the continental turf.

“We have been consistent in the ISL and now our target is to perform well in AFC competitions. I feel we have the potential in our squad to perform on that stage,” he signed off.