N. Ulaganathan, one of the finest wingers from India, is a legend at the Kolkata club

N. Ulaganathan, one of the finest wingers to have come out of Bengaluru and India, spent eight years at Mohun Bagan, where he acquired the status of a club legend.

He will be at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium for Sunday’s I-League title-decider. His loyalties are clear. “I’m from this city, but whatever I am today is only because of Bagan. Naturally, I’m praying that Bagan wins,” he said.

A number of former Bagan players, including Shibaji Banerjee and Compton Dutta, are travelling to Bengaluru for the clash. “Both were my team-mates and we are lifelong friends. I’m looking forward to our reunion,” Ulaganathan said.

Sanjoy Sen, Bagan’s head coach, expressed delight over the vociferous support his side is expected to receive. “It’s very inspiring for the boys,” he said. “It’s great to see so many people coming from different parts of the country and supporting us. Even they are dying to see us win the title after such a long time.”

His counterpart Ashley Westwood sees things in a different light. “Mohun Bagan have managed to gather some fans because they’ve got something to play for all of a sudden,” the BFC head coach said.

“You don’t normally see Mohun Bagan (fans) anywhere unless they’re winning; so that speaks for itself. Our fans are with us through thick and thin. But it’s nice for Mohun Bagan (fans) to turn up once for a change.”

Should Bagan win, Kolkata will spin out of control, Ulaganathan felt. “When we were there, people would come in tens of thousands to the airport,” he said. “The celebrations will be immense this time.”

N. Ulaganathan, one of the finest wingers from India, is a legend at the Kolkata club

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / Bengaluru Bureau / Bengaluru – May 31st, 2015