Jamshedpur, Oct. 27: It was a walk down memory lane for Deepak Mondal at Tata Football Academy (TFA) today as the defender visited the academy for a felicitation ceremony today.

The former TFA cadet, who is considered one of the top defenders of the country, broke down in tears while recounting his early days of struggle at the academy.

“It is solely because of TFA that I am what I am today,” said Mondal, who now plays for Mohun Bagan.

Mondal who hails from Naomundi in West Singhbhum district was felicitated by TFA in the presence of board of management members Satish Pillai and Sanjay Choudury

“I am very happy to be here amongst you,” Mondal said while receiving the award adding that the way to success for a footballer was through hard work and dedication.