After six seasons with the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) club, Kerala Blasters FC mutually part ways with centre-back, Sandesh Jhingan. The 26-year-old from Chandigarh, whose potential was first identified by Kerala Blasters, joined the team at the start of the Hero ISL in 2014 and went on to make 76 appearances for the club. Sandesh, nurtured by the Blasters over the last six seasons, is all set to pursue a fresh challenge.

Fondly referred to as ‘The Wall’ by fans, Sandesh has always displayed immense passion and enthusiasm both on and off the field. Since his Hero ISL debut in 2014, in which he won the Hero ISL and AIFF Emerging Player of the Year, he has gone on to establish himself as a full India international. Sandesh, who was named club captain in 2017, has played in two Hero ISL finals and also captained the national team on various occasions. Kerala Blasters is proud to have supported the growth of the player who was most recently also nominated for the Arjuna Award by the AIFF.

“It was great to be a part of Kerala Blasters right from Day one. We’ve built some great memories together as we helped each other grow but have finally decided to part ways. I wish all the good luck to the club going forward. A special mention to the people of Kerala who have always stood behind the club no matter what, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love you have shown myself and Kerala Blasters. I am sure you will continue to support the club in the future as well. Both the club and the fans will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you!”, says Sandesh.

Kerala Blasters has always believed in identifying and nurturing young talent. Having consistently awarded the most minutes to youngsters and debutants, Sandesh’s growth and development as a player with the team is a firm example of the club’s commitment to its long-term objectives.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Sandesh for his commitment, loyalty, and passion for the club and its supporters. Kerala Blasters respects Sandesh’s desire to pursue a new challenge and we wish him all the best for this new journey. We know that he will always remain a Blaster at heart. As a tribute to his contributions to the club, we will be permanently retiring his jersey number 21,” says Nikhil Bhardwaj, Owner, Kerala Blasters FC.

 

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I felt that I will never have to write a message like this but in life every now and then you realise who is in control. This situation is the most difficult situation of my footballing career till date but you have to believe in destiny and God’s plan for you. Through this message being on my knees I wanna thank the people of Kerala for all the unconditional love they had given me In all situations. We had some great moments and I will remember and cherish them for the rest of my life. You helped grow as a person and as a footballer and you will always be my family. I want to keep it short because my hand trembles while I write it so lastly I wanna wish @keralablasters and people of Kerala all the good luck and continue to support your team. ഒരായിരം നന്ദി, നമ്മൾ എന്നും ഒരു കുടുബമായിരികും 🙏🏻💛 #SJ21WillRememberyouAll

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Sandesh Jhingan (@sandesh21jhingan) am Mai 21, 2020 um 8:35 PDT