Was rejected by second and third division Kolkata clubs, reveals Sandesh Jhingan
Sandesh Jhingan parted ways with Kerala Blasters FC after six years
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Indian footballer Sandesh Jhingan revealed that he had trialled with second and third division Kolkata clubs but was rejected during the early days in his career. The Punjab-based player is now one of the most vital members of the national team but missed most of the last season due to injury.
Even though he is a youth icon and the poster-boy of Indian football behind only Sunil Chhetri right now, Sandesh Jhingan faced major roadblocks when he started his professional career. In an interview, the solidly built defender revealed that he went on trial at second and third division Kolkata teams, but was rejected straightaway. Following which I-League club Sikkim United FC came in as a saviour for him, with Sandesh playing for the club which was owned by his idol - Bhaichung Bhutia.
"I had given trials for the second and third division Calcutta teams. They all said no on my face. Then United Sikkim happened. I was such a big fan of Bhaichung (Bhutia) bhai. When I first saw him he was playing small rondos. Then I was watching Renedy (Singh) bhai practicing free-kicks,” said Sandesh Jhingan during an Instagram chat hosted by the AlFF.
“I just wanted to go and kiss his feet. To be in that club (Sikkim United FC) and to get a contract was unbelievable. I was lucky to start my career at United Sikkim. Two months ago, I did not get through second and third division clubs in Calcutta, and then there you were training with your idols," added the footballer.
After plying his trade for Kerala Blasters FC for six years, Jhingan parted ways with the club, which came in as a shock. It was during his stint with the club in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League (ISL) that he gained acclaim in India and has since been a regular part of the Indian side.
