Calcutta: East Bengal’s new recruit Katsumi Yusa on Wednesday arrived for his first official media conference one-and-a-half hour behind schedule and straightway said “his heart will bleed a little” when he faces his former club Mohun Bagan in the I-League.

“I have very fond memories as a Bagan player. The I-league triumph, winning the Federation Cup… the players, the supporters… So when I face my former club, my heart will bleed a little,” Katsumi said.

Katsumi played in Bagan for four seasons and has been an integral part of coach Sanjay Sen’s scheme of things. Katsumi however added that playing well against Bagan is not his target. “I-League is my target.”

The Japanese midfielder said he chose East Bengal because he needed a challenge. “East Bengal haven’t won the I-League yet.

“So I thought it would be challenging to be part of this team and help to win the I-League. I love difficult challenges. Also, coach Khlaid Jamil did wonders with Aizawl FC last season. I wanted to play under him.”

Katsumi refused to buy the idea that I-League will be a two-team race this season.

“No, there are eight other teams. In football, you do not take anything for granted. All the teams are strong. So we have to work hard,” he said.

Charles D’Souza, who played for Chennai City FC last season, said he wants to play well. “That’s what I want to do for my new club,” the Brazilian said.

“I am a season old in Indian football and know how big a club like East Bengal is,” he said. “It’s a big break for me. I want to grab this opportunity and prove myself,” he said.