I came here with a serious intent to win trophies at East Bengal FC: Defender Jordan Elsey

East Bengal FC defender Jordan Elsey has said that he came to the club with a serious intention of winning trophies. The Australian defender has impressed since he joined the Kolkata giants. The 29-year-old scored the opening goal against Gokulam Kerala FC in the second quarterfinal on Friday.

Thus, he played a key role in the team’s 2-1 win and they made it to the semifinals. Elsey gave his gratitude for the love and support from the fans.

“My experience so far has been very enjoyable. I spoke to a lot of friends before coming here and they told me about the fans: how passionate and crazy they are. I thought, ‘How crazy can it really be?’ But during this Derby, I truly felt the intensity of the fans’ emotions,” Elsey told the East Bengal FC media.

“From the moment I arrived, I’ve felt a strong connection with the fans. I’m determined to perform well for this team in this city. Yeah, it’s been a very enjoyable experience,” the defender added.

Elsey said he shares a good bonhomie with everyone at the club and it has played an instrumental in him hitting the ground running.

“I think I have a great partnership with everyone in the team. It’s always hard coming to a new team and getting used to everyone’s personalities and different sorts of traits like that. But me and Nunga getting along very well, both on and off the field,” Elsey stated.

“I believe that the connection off the field is sometimes even more important. So, yeah, it helps when we’re staying in the same hotel and we eat breakfast and lunch together. So, it’s been really good (experience),” he further added.

The Australian added that his aim will be to win major trophies with the club and expressed optimism of achieving success.

“In my initial interview (upon arriving in the city), I mentioned that I wasn’t here for a holiday. I know it (sounds) cliché and that, but I definitely came here with a serious intent to win trophies with East Bengal. Right from the first two weeks of being here, I’ve had that feeling within me, and I can sense it in the team and among the coaching staff (as well),” Elsey commented.

East Bengal FC will next take on NorthEast United FC in the semifinal of the Durand Cup and they are now two wins away from the title.