Want more football players to play outside India: Gurpreet

Mumbai, August 31 

Playing in Norway for top division club Stabaek has helped him grow as a footballer, feels goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who wants more of his countrymen to follow in his footsteps to help India rise as a power in the sport.

“My aim was to play in Norway, break into the first team and play in the first team. I have grown as a player in all aspects of the game. I will try to keep getting better.

Playing in Europe is better for me,” said the 24-year-old goalkeeper who has been called up for the international friendly against Puerto Rico at the Andheri Sports Complex stadium here on September 3.

“I feel good that at least we have a player (himself playing overseas). I would have been happy if it was anyone else too. It’s an important factor, playing outside India.

“That’s the only way Indian football is going to progress, with more players playing outside. I believe every one of them can play outside India, especially the under 17 players. The younger the better,” Gurpreet told reporters today.

“My contract expires next year. I would try for another club, the higher the league, higher the club, whichever country, it’s okay for me,” said the Mohali-born youngster, who is the first Indian to figure in a competitive match for the first team of a top-division European club.

“It has been an uphill battle for me. When I went to Norway first I was not at that level. I had to make myself capable to play at that level when I was ready I challenged him (first choice goalkeeper Sayouba Mande of Ivory coast). I learnt a lot from him and he says he has learnt a lot from me.

I don’t know what,” said Gurpreet about his stint in the Scandinavian country.

“I never thought I would be at this point, it’s dream come true to play in Europe. I am always proud of what I have done.

“My debut was against Asia’s no. 1 team (Iran). That’s the first time ever I got to play against Asia’s best team,” he said about his appearance against the West Asian giants in the FIFA World Cup qualifier at Bengaluru when asked about his most memorable moment when playing on Indian soil. — PTI