Deepak Mondal finally made a long-awaited return to competitive football, following his more than 9-month lay-off due to injury. He came on in the 81st minute as a substitute in Mahindra United's Mumbai Elite Division match against Central Railway on October 8.
IndianFootball.Com's Sujay Sharma talked to Deepak on his 26th birthday about his road to recovery, and some other interesting subjects.

Can you describe the feeling and reaction at the moment you finally entered the competitive field, and the little period of time leading up to it?

I felt really happy of course. I was on the bench for the previous match against H2K too, and was expecting to play at some stage then. That day I was more nervous. But due to the match situation then, the opportunity for me never came. Against Central Railways, the coach told me early on in the second half to start warming up steadily. I did so for 20 minutes. Also we were leading. In fact, all the while I was getting ready to come on, my team mates and other friends were already encouraging me, from the bench, and the stands. I was very excited when the moment finally came. It wasn't at all a bother that I played those few minutes as a left-back, rather than my customary centre-back position.

What were your experiences like over the long 9-month plus period?
How did you keep yourself motivated and optimistic?

Initially I used to ponder a lot over the situation. But then I thought - "Thinking a lot isn't really going to help". So I just tried to stop thinking the negative thoughts, and concentrated fully on the recovery process. When I had sustained the injury, I knew then itself that it was going to keep me out of football for very long. M Suresh and Subhash (Chakravorty) at East Bengal too had experienced such injuries, so I knew what was likely to be in store for me. Thankfully the operation went well. But still, NFL 2005 was out of the question. That allowed me to think further ahead, and so I wanted to be ready for the 2005-2006 season. I had a few friends in Calcutta giving me support. I must specially mention the huge support and help that my fiancée gave me during this period. She was always ready to cheer me up, offer encouragement, made sure I did my recovery exercises - she helped with everything everytime.

Now you're finally back playing after the long ordeal. What are the targets and expectations you have set yourself - be it at Club or National level?

Right now the upcoming Federation Cup is my immediate target. I want to be able to perform and get results for the club in this tournament. I doubt any other club would have treated me so well, the way Mahindra United have done, during this tough period for me. Hence I want to give my all for this club. At this immediate stage, I am not considering any farther than playing club football. Am just concentrating on the present.

What do you think should be the expectations of the team that is Mahindra United?

I think the team should concentrate on the Federation Cup first, and we are doing just that. We'll proceed step-by-step, and that way gain confidence appropriately.

What has your experience been with the team over the little time you've spent at the club thus far?

I'm settling down well, and one can make out the team is slowly beginning to gel. We have a very nice support network here. Everybody has made me so welcome here. I already knew some players well, and had acquaintance with most others. That has helped. Also, the coach, the assistants, the backroom-staff, all have helped me get accustomed, and I'm enjoying myself.

Here's an obvious question for a player arriving into cosmopolitan-Mumbai-football from the passionate cauldron that is the Kolkata-Maidan-football - What do you make of the contrasting scenarios?

Well, the difference in Mumbai and Kolkata football is definitely there, and it is big. Khel thoda thanda ho jaata hai idhar (the game gets a bit impassionate here sometimes), whereas at times in Calcutta the crowd stirs you on to give more than your ability. But this is no excuse for performing below-par here. I will have to adjust my attitude accordingly, work hard, and make sure I always give it my all.

And the contrast in your lifestyle in the two cities?

You can't go roaming about in Calcutta freely at your fancy. You stay at your own home usually, wondering what to do after training. Whereas, here in Mumbai for me, all us players stay together in the colony. So time goes by as we enjoy amongst ourselves, and are always upto something or the other. And there's no problem in roaming about in the city on holidays, as nobody in Mumbai will bother you!

So in conclusion, Deepak Mondal, wants to…?

…play well, and recover to previous levels for now.

Thank you for talking to us Deepak, and enjoy your birthday !