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What’s the story?
Ahead of the 2018 edition of the Super Cup finale, Bengaluru FC shot-stopper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has expressed his gratitude towards his former club East Bengal. While addressing the media during the pre-match press conference, Sandhu talked about how he has grown as a person as well as a football player since his stint with the Red and Golds.
In case you didn’t know…
The Indian goalkeeper spent some of his initial foundational years at the youth academy of East Bengal before representing their senior team. His spell with EB began back in 2009. Having made 27 appearances for East Bengal, he was later loaned out to the Pailan Arrows.
Towards the end of his loan spell, the 26-year-old became one of the few Indians to have played overseas with Norwegian side, Stabæk – where he made a first-team appearance in the UEFA Europa League, making him the first ever Indian to do so.
Sandhu signed with the Southern Eagles ahead of the 2017-18 Indian Super League season after much speculation was churning around his next club post his time in Norway.
The heart of the matter
During the pre-match press conference, the goalkeeper expressed his gratitude to his former side East Bengal, who Bengaluru are set to play in the final.
“It's been a long journey for me. It's been four or five years since I left East Bengal. I've developed a lot as a person and a player. Who I am now would not have been possible without that club and I thank them for the trust they showed in me when I was there."
However, when asked about what his emotions will be while playing a cup final against his former team, Gurpreet said, “To be honest, I haven't thought about this as a game against my former side. For me, this is a big final and another opportunity to win a title. I want to contribute to this and be at our best tomorrow.” The goalie added.
What’s next?
Under the leadership of Sunil Chhetri and strategic guidance of coach Albert Roca, Bengaluru FC will be taking on East Bengal in the final match of the debut season of the Hero Indian Super Cup on April 20, 2018. The action kicks off in Odisha at 4 pm, and it will be an interesting battle for the fans to relish.
Author’s take
Players like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu have been a source of inspiration to the young and budding footballers of the current generation. Not everyone in the country gets an opportunity to play abroad and experience European football on a global platform; and when players as iconic as Sandhu display such humility, it certainly sets an example for the youth. It truly is a noteworthy gesture from the professional.
