By B D NarayankarBengaluru, Jan 9 (PTI) He is the only Indian to get astart in an Europa League game but the country's numero unogoalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu revealed that Bengaluru FCpays him much more than what he used to get at Norwegian clubStabaek FC.
"People had that perception that I was earning moreplaying for the Norway club. But it wasn't the case. I amearning more playing Indian Super League," he told PTI duringan interaction.
However the gigantic Punjab lad won't mind if he is paidRs 17 crore like India captain Virat Kohli, who representscity's cricket franchise Rpyal Challengers Bangalore.
"Whether it's me or any footballer, we would love to getpaid as top cricketers, who get Rs 16-Rs17 crore playing IPL,"Gurpreet said.
Gurpreet, however, said he would go back to Europeanclubs if it meets his terms and conditions.
"When I went to Europe, I did not set any terms. I onlythought of improving and developing my game. Now, I have someinternational exposure, if I get a chance to play for Europeanclubs, I would certainly look for the terms that suits me," hesaid.
Asked about his reason for coming back to India, Gurpreetsaid there was no point in staying put with Stabaek because hewas not getting match-time.
"Therefore, I decided to look for alternatives. My firstpreference was to stay in Europe, but according tocircumstances, it wasn't possible," he said.
"Coming back to India was a tough decision for me. It isa privilege to be playing for Bengaluru FC, which is the bestteam in India during the last four to five years," he added.
Asked about playing with Sunil Chhetri and foreignplayers like Miku and John Johnson, Gurpreet said he has beenplaying with the Indian star footballer for last seven yearsand his forte is the elan with which he carries the team intough matches.
"As far as foreign players are concerned, they are topnotch. We are lucky to have Miku, Paartalu and John Johnson,who rub shoulders with young Indian players who benefitimmensely," he added.
Talking about his ISL journey so far, Gurpreet saidinspite of ups and downs, the team is on top of the ISLpoints-table and hope to finish on top four and take it fromthere. PTI BDN KHSKHS.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.