Watch Sandesh Jhingan speak on how ISL has impacted his career

Indian defender Sandesh Jhingan made history by signing for the top-tier Croatian club, HNK Šibenik. As a result, he has become the first Indian to sign up for a top-tier Croatian club.

On Thursday, Jhingan spoke for the first time after signing up for Šibenik. In a press conference organised by the club, he talked on many topics, including how the Indian Super League has impacted him and shaped his career.

According to him, ISL gave him and other Indian footballers the proper exposure. He felt that watching big stars taking part in top European leagues made him think they were from different planets.

He said that ISL gave the platform to the Indians to play with and against them, besides interacting with them. However, it also made them realise that working hard is the key, as no footballer on earth is untouchable.

After taking part in the ISL and subsequently for the national team, he also realised that there is not much difference in the European and Indian football levels, which felt otherwise. ISL made him realise that he can compete at the top level, even in Europe.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by HNK Šibenik (@hnk.sibenik)

ALSO READ: Sandesh Jhingan signs up for Croatia's HNK Sibenik

He expressed his happiness that his ISL tenure started at the right age when he initially signed up for Kerala Blasters during the inaugural season in 2014. He would forever remain thankful to the tournament for making him a better player and attracting attention from Šibenik.

Šibenik plays in the top Croatian league, Prva HNL, having finished sixth last season. The club is yet to win the title but already has five titles from the lower divisions.

With an experience of 172 games, Jhingan would come in handy for Sibenik, besides also having five goals under his belt. He has also played 40 international matches for India and scored four goals. He has won a couple of titles, besides finishing as runner-up on three occasions in the ISL.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by HNK Šibenik (@hnk.sibenik)

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