I haven't decided my future with Mumbai City FC yet, says Nicolas Anelka

Anelka has revealed that he is unsure if he will return to Mumbai City next season

Sony Norde’s late winner last night against Atletico de Kolkata earned Mumbai City FC their first away win since the inception of the Indian Super League. It was Sony Norde who gave Mumbai City FC the lead in the 26th minute, but Iain Hume leveled the score for Atletico de Kolkata from a penalty just before the break.

Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri converted a spot kick in the 81st minute to give Mumbai City the lead for a second time. Arata Izumi scored his fifth goal of the season in the 90th minute to level it up for Atletico de Kolkata yet again, but it was Mumbai City who had the last laugh as Norde scored in the dying seconds of the game to win it for his side.

Speaking to the media, Mumbai City FC boss Nicolas Anelka said his team deserved to win, and were determined to play on Friday even though they had the option of playing on Sunday. Mumbai City FC players and staff were stuck in Chennai due to heavy rains and could only reach Kolkata on the match day.

Anelka: "We wanted to play today even though we had the option of playing the game on Sunday. But we chose to play even though we were tired, and deserved to win today."

Mumbai City FC once again failed to qualify for the playoffs, and Anelka believes his team should have done a lot better, but he was delighted with his team’s first away win.

"I’m pleased with the players today. We wanted to qualify for the playoffs, but it's a shame we did not. We could have done a lot better in the season, but today we showed fighting spirit and we won. It was special, first win away from home," he said.

When asked about whether he’d return next season to Mumbai City FC, Anelka said he has not made a decision yet.

"I don't know yet. I just want to enjoy today. We made history. I have time to think about the rest."

We did not play with 100 percent intensity: Habas

Atletico de Kolkata boss Antonio Habas said his team lost the game due to distractions and didn’t play with 100 percent intensity. The defending champions had already qualified for the playoffs before the game, and the players looked uninterested throughout the game.

"I’m sure it will be absolutely different in the semifinal. Today it was a different day the players did not play with 100 percent intensity. There was too much of distractions having already qualified for the play-offs with a game in hand."

Antonio Habas made a few changes to his team as Amrinder Singh and Ofentse Nato were dropped for Juan Calatayud and Mohammed Rafique, but he confirmed he didn’t want to risk Nato as he has already picked up three yellow cards.

"Nato had three yellow cards so we didn't risk him.”