India footballer Sandesh Jhingan signs for Croatia's HNK Sibenik

Sandesh Jhingan will become the first India international footballer to play in the Croatian top-tier league Prva HNL after completing a move from ATK Mohun Bagan to HNK Sibenik.

The 28-year-old Sandesh will be the flag bearer of India's top division league, the Indian Super League (ISL), as he makes the transition to a European top division league.

"We are very happy to have Sandesh with us. We expect good things from him as we have followed him on different platforms where we were able to see his past performances. Although we know the adaptation process might take him a few weeks, we are confident that with his quality and leadership, he will become an important member of the team," said Francisco Cardona, CEO of HNK Sibenik in a release.

Named India's footballer of the year last month, the Indian defender is already in Croatia and watched Sunday's home win against Hrvatski Dragovoljac.

"He made a very good impression on the staff and fans of the club when he was watching the last home game from the stands. He showed passion and energy for the team," said Cardona.

Jhingan was excited to have the opportunity to move to HNK Sibenik in the Prva HNL in Croatia.

"I think I am at a stage of my career where I really want to test myself in the highest level possible and I think this is the perfect platform for me. As I have said, it has been my desire to play in Europe and I have taken up this challenge upon myself.

"A big thank you to the head coach Mario Rosas and the owners and management for giving me the opportunity to come here. I cannot wait to get going and look forward to giving my 100 per cent at every given opportunity," said Jhingan.

"We are very happy that Sandesh is with us. We know he will help us achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves during the season. His stint here will help him grow as a player and person," said HNK Sibenik coach Mario Rosas. The Spanish coach was all praise for Jhingan's decision to move out of his comfort zone.

"We hope that he will continue to be an example for Indian footballers. He has demonstrated his ambition and competitiveness by wanting to get out of his comfort zone and show what Indian footballers are capable of," said Rosas.

The defender has two ISL runners-up medals with Kerala Blasters FC where he spent six years and moved to ATK Mohun Bagan in 2020 after missing the previous season due to injury.

( With inputs from ANI )

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