How Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has became India’s first complete package for Europe

by Nancy Singh June 27, 2016

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, the name that has been doing the rounds in the Indian as well as European footballing market for all the right reasons. The Indian national goalkeeper is having his time that many aspiring footballers in the nation consider to be holy and he claims it’s his powerfully built relationship with his commitment that keeps him pushing.

Sandhu has come out to compete with seasoned number one Subrata Paul during six of India’s World cup 2018 qualifier matches earlier this year. Sandhu, 24 has also won the SAFF Championship with the team making 11 appearances.

As much as his Indian footballing act was highlighted, he caught attention when he made the history of being the first Indian ever to start a European league game with Norwegian club Stabæk in late May’2016, going on to play the full 90 minute with a clean sheet win. Before he did play for the club in a friendly match against second-tier side Follo in a 4-1 win on 18th January’2016.

With clear determination to succeed in the foreign land, Sandhu reveals in an interview to FIFA.com “From the first time I arrived in Norway I was committed. I didn’t want to give up. I wanted to develop myself and make myself capable of being at this level. I wanted to be the best I could be, and that wasn’t possible staying in India. Every football-minded person back home knows that.”

He also is well versed with the responsibility that lies on his shoulder, being an icon for many teenagers who aspire to make it to Europe. He states “In my opinion, if I can make, I think many Indians can make it in Europe.”

His views on Indian youth football as compared to foreign land “I think it will be an eye-opener for the Indian public to see the difference to the bigger nations and see how much they work on it.”

Revealing he was disappointed to see the lack of Indian moving abroad to set up a career like his.
“Making my debut was a proud moment, but frankly, I’m also disappointed that I’m the only Indian player in Europe, it shows we are lagging behind. The best Asian nations have players outside their country playing in different leagues, so it shows we have work to do.”

Already a star in India and epitome of sheer determination states he is proud of his achievements and happy to be a role model for many.