Glad to impress in European top-flight debut: Sandhu

Sandefjord, April 24: Having created history by becoming the first Indian footballer to have played in a competitive match for a top division European side, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu expressed gladness at achieving the milestone.

Sandhu made his competitive debut for Stabaek FC in a Norwegian Cup match against Rur here on Wednesday. He was impressive in his first appearance, staying unbeaten in a 6-0 win for his side and thanked coach Bob Bradley for keeping faith in his abilities and handing him the debut.

“Happy to get a clean sheet on my debut for @Stabaek tonight - thanks coach!,” Sandhu tweeted on Thursday.

He joined the club last August. “I’m really proud and happy that it happened. I was waiting for the chance - the team won, that’s the main thing and (I got) a clean sheet and I thank the team for that,” Sandhu said.

“I’m the only Indian player to play for a top division club in Europe so... I’m lucky,” he said. The Mohali boy has played for I-League clubs East Bengal and the now defunct Pailan Arrows previously. The 23-year-old joined Mohammad Salim, Baichung Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri and Subrata Paul among others who have all played for European teams. IANS