A silver coloured SUV entered the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai at 4.23 pm on Wednesday afternoon- the venue for India’s international friendly against Puerto Rico. In it was seated a player from Norwegian Tippeligaen club, Stabæk who also happens to be India’s number 1 keeper.
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Gurpreet Singh Sandhu had a spring in his steps as he took to the field today. The 24-year-old returned to India on the back of his most successful year yet. He currently don’s jersey number 22 for Stabæk.
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With Puerto Rico on the horizon, the man between the sticks spoke about his time in the Scandinavian nation, “I got injured two months ago so I didn’t get much playing time. I was in recovery for about 45 days. It is an uphill battle for me because I lost my spot and I have to fight again for my spot. I will do that because I have done that before”, he said.
He also spoke about his relationship with compatriot and fellow keeper, Subrata Pal- “I have been part of the national squad from around 2010 and I have been training with Subrata bhai for such a long time. There are things that I have learnt from him”.
“His recently won the Arjuna award and I think he deserved it. He deserved it before as well, it came a bit late but it is a very good thing that has happened”, he said.
The lanky shot stopper never imagined he’d reach such heights, “I never thought I would get the opportunity to go to Europe and play. I am always proud of what I’ve done and very luck to represent India at that level”, he added.
The last time India battled a higher ranked side was two year ago but Gurpreet seemed ready for the challenge, “I think I am pretty ready. I have always been ready. Let’s see, they are a good side according to the rankings but we are ready for the battle and will give everything”, said a confident Singh.
He was asked if leaving India to play in Europe was a risk, considering the ISL was picking momentum when he decided to move to Norway- “Off course it was worth the risk. An Indian is playing in Europe; you still think it’s not worth the risk? he asked
Singh doesn’t believe the intensity during practice sessions is different in Norway and India, “the difference is the weather. It’s much more humid here. Plus, the players you play with in Norway are of better quality that makes you raise your level as well. There is no problem in the intensity over here in India”, he said.
Singh’s contract with Stabæk expires next year. It’d be exciting to see where the talented keeper lands considering his future goals, “I want to play in better leagues and better clubs if possible. Whichever club, I don’t mind”, he concluded.
