Bengaluru: Gurpreet Singh is certain that JSW Bengaluru can "go all the way” in the AFC Cup after the Indian side narrowly missed out on the continental title last year.
India’s number one goalkeeper Singh recently returned from three years with Norwegian side Stabaek and is set to make his debut in the AFC Cup Inter-Zone Semi-final with DPR Korea’s 4.25 SC on Wednesday.
And although the big custodian has only been with the club a matter of days, the belief is there that Bengaluru can make up for their 1-0 final defeat to Iraq’s Air Force Club last November.
“I saw a very good opportunity with Bengaluru as it’s one of the best clubs in India, it’s very professional,” said Singh.
“They were the only Indian team who wanted to pay a transfer fee for me and that shows the commitment of the club.
“Most importantly, they are playing in the AFC Cup and the level in these games is different from what you play in India.
“I think Bengaluru set an example to other Indian clubs by reaching the final [last year], so I have no doubts that we can go all the way.”
After starting his career with East Bengal, Singh moved to Norway in 2014 and became the first Indian to play in a top-flight European league and the UEFA Europa Cup.
He has been India’s first-choice goalkeeper for almost two years and is part of a national side aiming to progress to a first AFC Asian Cup since 2011, when he was included in the 23-man squad as an 18-year-old.
But the immediate focus is on Bengaluru, who were crowned South Asian Zonal champions by winning Group E in May to progress to a third successive knockout round.
“We need to keep working and keep our head down to try and achieve what hasn’t been achieved yet,” added Singh.
“I see myself using this opportunity I have, and Bengaluru are one of the teams that like to play football, to pass it around more.
“That’s the system that I want to play in and it’s good to see the quality getting better over here.”
Despite opting to return to his homeland, Singh has fond memories of his time in Scandinavia, where he was largely used as Stabaek’s goalkeeper in cup competitions.
“It was a very nice experience and made me learn a lot about life, made me more independent and responsible, so I have no regrets,” said Singh.
“I can always say to people that I’ve experienced it, and I don’t think any other player from India has. Norway is a beautiful country and I was living in Oslo which is a very beautiful city.
“But I had never experienced snowfall before and I’d never trained in snow so it was a completely different experience.
“Your fingers and toes go numb and if you ever get hit in the face with the ball it’s painful. The Norwegian summer is better.”
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com