History beckons Gurpeet Singh Sadhu; could become first Indian to play in Europa League
23-year-old goalkeeper Gurpreet Sindhu Sandhu is set to become the first Indian to participate in the Europa League, formerly known as UEFA Cup and one of Europe's premier club competitions, as his Norwegian club Stabæk Football have secured their place in Europa League's first qualifying round next season.
When Gurpreet Singh Sandhu joined Stabæk Football last year, he became only the fifth Indian, after Mohammed Salim, Baichung Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri and Subrata Paul to play for an overseas team. But more impressively, he was the first Indian to play a competitive match for the first team of a top division European club.
Having established himself in the Indian national team, Gurpreet is now eying another feather in his cap by appearing in the coveted Europa League next season. His club Stabæk Football have secured a top-three finish with one game left in the 2015 Tippeligaen.
The Bærum based club are currently third in the points table, tied on points with Strømsgodset Toppfotball. Stabæk's 3-2 win over IK Start on Sunday, where Gurpreet was an unused substitute, provided them with an unassailable lead over Odds BK and earned them a place in the first qualifying round of next season's Europa League.
"It's an unbelievable feeling. It's like someone has created magic. My teammates don't realise what they have done for the team and me. When you think of where I came from, being part of Europa League is something you can only dream of," a joyous Gurpreet told Times of India.
The youngster, who was recently in action during India's world cup qualifying match against Oman, has impressed with his development in the past few years. Indian legend Baichung Bhutia, who has played in England and Malaysia, praised the former East Bengal goalkeeper and insisted that the experience of participating in one of Europe's premier club competitions will be 'enriching'.
"I watched Gurpreet in the India World Cup Qualifiers and he looked in great shape. He has changed a lot and some of the saves he made against Oman were outstanding. The fact that he will be part of a team playing in the Europa League is amazing. The experience will enrich him no bounds. I hope he starts but even if he doesn't, a European night is what every footballer dreams of," Bhutia was quoted as saying by TOI.
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