Bengaluru: The first Indian footballer to feature in an European competition Gurpreet Singh Sandhu however revealed that he earns more playing for Indian Super League (ISL) club Bengaluru FC than what he was paid at Stabæk.
“People had that perception that I was earning more playing for the Norway club. But it wasn’t the case. I am earning more playing Indian Super League,” said the India’s first choice goalkeeper in an interaction with PTI also adding that he would never mind if he is paid Rs 17 crore as a salary, the same amount Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) dished out to retain current Indian captain Virat Kohli.
After leaving East Bengal in 2014, Gurpreet joined Norwegian football club Stabæk FC, but returned back to India after making just three appearances for the club in as many years and claimed lack of game time was the primary reason for his return. But at the same time, he did not rule out another foreign move in the future.
“There was lack of game time. Therefore, I decided to look for alternatives. My first preference was to stay in Europe, but according to circumstances, it wasn’t possible,” he said.
But making a return to the Indian leagues was a much more tougher decision than playing for Bengaluru FC was, he feels. “Coming back to India was a tough decision for me. It is a privilege to be playing for Bengaluru FC, which is the best team in India during the last four to five years.”
Things have however changed since his first travel to Europe, when he left Indian conditions for greener pastures said the 25 year-old shot-stopper. “When I went to Europe, I did not set any terms. I only thought of improving and developing my game. Now, I have some international exposure, if I get a chance to play for European clubs, I would certainly look for the terms that suits me.”
Gurpreet’s decision to choose Bengaluru over other ISL clubs however didn’t backfire as the league newbies currently sit comfortably on top, one point above second placed Chennaiyin FC.
While the lanky Punjabi custodian has been as solid as-a-rock in between the sticks, it has been his compatriots up-front that stole the limelight, with fascinating goals and Gurpreet was quick to shower them with praise.
Captain and national teammate Sunil Chhetri has always been a star leading the team with the same zeal for the last seven years he said and “as far as foreign players are concerned, they are top notch. We are lucky to have Miku, Paartalu and John Johnson, who rub shoulders with young Indian players who benefit immensely,” he added.