Having missed the IFA Shield and Durand Cup, Baichung Bhutia said he is not fully fit and will take some time to settle down when he dons the East Bengal jersey in the I-League.
"I was out for about 28 days and have not played football (and missed two tournaments). I am going into the I-League not 100 per cent fit. I will take some time to settle down in the team," the star Indian forward said after signing up for East Bengal.
India's captain, who is engaged in a bitter suspension row with Mohun Bagan since June, has been given interim relief by All India Football Federation's arbitrator Amarendra Sharan, who declared Bhutia a free player till a final verdict.
Bhutia said he would not like to talk about the past and wants to look ahead in the club's target to win the I-League, beginning Thursday.
"I am very happy to be back. I want to look ahead. I want to tell everybody to be a little bit patient. It might not go the way we want. It's not easy to start off (with a bang) but I am sure we will do well. East Bengal will only get better," he said.
