ISL: FC Goa rope in Sandesh Jhingan on three-year deal

FC Goa has roped in the services of veteran defender Sandesh Jhingan on three-year contract, the club announced on Tuesday. The experienced defender becomes the third Indian International to join the Gaurs after Rowllin Borges and Udanta Singh. Jhingan will stay at FC Goa till the end of 2024-25 season.

Meanwhile, the 29-year-old from Chandigarh played in 22 matches for Bengaluru FC in Hero Indian Super League 2022-23 season and played a key role in taking the Blues to the final of the tournament.

Sandesh, who has all the experience under his belt, will add strength to FC Goa’s defense. The Indian international is delighted to join hands with FC Goa and he is looking forward to his stint.

“I am happy at the chance to represent what is a fantastic football club. FC Goa have, and keep doing so many things consistently well, so to be able to contribute to that effort is something I am looking forward to,” Jhingan said after signing on the dotted line for the Gaurs.

“I am excited to link up with my new teammates, the coaching staff and learn from all of them. Needless to say, I’m excited about the prospect of playing in front of the fans of this football club, who always seem to bring a fantastic atmosphere with them to the games,” he added.

Commenting on the signing, Ravi Puskur, FC Goa’s Director of Football stated, “We are delighted to welcome Sandesh Jhingan back to Goa, where he has previously passed through on his footballing journey. Since then, he has grown tremendously and established himself as one of the country’s top players in his position. He brings a wealth of qualities not only on the field but also in the dressing room.

Meanwhile, Sandesh Jhingan also has the experience of playing for Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters FC. Jhingan recently played for India in the Hero Intercontinental Cup and played a key role in helping the team in keeping clean sheets in all four matches of the tournament and thus was instrumental in the team’s successful run.

The defender also earned his 50th cap for the Blue Tigers during the tournament.