Gurpreet Singh Sandhu leaves Norway club Stabaek FC, likely to join Bengaluru FC
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, the first Indian to play at the UEFA Europa League, has left top flight Norwegian club Stabaek FC and is heading back to the country
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Indian football team goalkeeper, has left top flight Norwegian club Stabaek FC, with whom he played in the UEFA Europa League. He will be returning to India soon and is likely to join Bengaluru FC.
Sandhu became the first Indian to play at the UEFA Europa League when he featured in a qualifier against Welsh side Connah’s Quay Nomads F.C.
“It has been an incredible experience. I will never forget what I have done over here (Stabaek FC). I am excited about my next destination and do well over there as well,” Sandhu said.
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Though he did not name the team he is joining next, he left enough hint. “I will head back to India now. This team (where I will be playing next) is supposed to play a tournament next week and I am looking forward to prepare for that,” he said.
Bengaluru FC, who recently shifted from I-League to Indian Super League, will be playing North Korean side April 25 SC at home in a 2017 AFC Cup knockout round match next week.
Speaking on his departure, Sandhu said he will always cherish playing in the Europa League. “I think my first league start and Europa League appearance were the best moments. I have waited for that for such a long time, especially from where I come from. It’s been very special journey. I am very sad that its coming to an end,” he said.
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Sandhu joined Stabaek FC in 2014. The 25-year-old goalkeeper got his first match for Stabæk against Start in 2015. Sandhu ultimately played nine matches for the first team and 39 matches for second team, according to Stabaek website.
Sandhu is currently the no. 1 choice goalkeeper for India and has also captained the national side.