Sandesh Jhingan becomes the first India international to play in the Croatian top-tier league.
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Indian defender Sandesh Jhingan has completed a move from Indian Super League (ISL) franchise ATK Mohun Bagan to Croatian side HNK Sibenik. Jhingan is now the first footballer from the nation to play in the Croatian top-tier league. The 28-year-old was named India’s footballer of the year last month, which indicates his capabilities and the impact he can very well deliver on his day. The centre back had signed a five-year contract with the Kolkata-based franchise last year. Jhingan however activated a clause that allowed him to terminate the contract and join the European club.
“We are very happy to have Sandesh with us. We expect good things from him as we have followed him on different platforms where we were able to see his past performances. Although we know the adaptation process might take him a few weeks, we are confident that with his quality and leadership, he will become an important member of the team,” said Francisco Cardona, CEO of HNK Sibenik as quoted by ESPN.
“He made a very good impression on the staff and fans of the club when he was watching the last home game from the stands. He showed passion and energy for the team,” he added.
Jhingan stated that the decision to switch sides was motivated by the desire to test himself at the highest level possible. The 28-year-old further thanked his former franchise ATK Mohun Bagan for backing him through thick and thin.
“I think I am at a stage of my career where I really want to test myself in the highest-level possible and I think this is the perfect platform for me. As I have said, it has been my desire to play in Europe and I have taken up this challenge upon myself. A big thank you to the Head Coach Mario Rosas and the owners and management for giving me the opportunity to come here. I cannot wait to get going and look forward to giving 100% at every given opportunity,” said the defender.
“I have nothing but a big thank you to say to everyone involved at ATK Mohun Bagan. The last year was my comeback from injury and it turned out to be one of my best years. Coach Habas has motivated me and pushed me to improve every day and I will be thankful for what he has done for me in this past year. Mr. Goenka and other Management Members have been very supportive and they know although this decision means one player less for them it means one fan more for them as I will always be a fan of the way the club is run,” he added.
Jhingan started his youth career at St. Stephen’s Football Academy in Chandigarh. This was followed by a debut in the top division with United Sikkim in 2011. The defender was adjudged as the ‘Emerging player of the league’ in the 2014 edition of ISL. After that, he soon cemented his place in the national team.
