Sandefjord (Norway), April 24 (IANS) Having created history by becoming the first Indian footballer to have played in a competitive match for a top division European side, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu expressed gladness at achieving the milestone.
Sandhu made his competitive debut for Stabaek FC in a Norwegian Cup match against Runar here on Wednesday. He was impressive in his first appearance, staying unbeaten in a 6-0 win for his side and thanked coach Bob Bradley for keeping faith in his abilities and handing him the debut.
"Happy to get a clean sheet on my debut for @Stabaek tonight - thanks coach!," Sandhu tweeted on Thursday.
He joined the club last August.
"I'm really proud and happy that it happened. I was waiting for the chance - the team won, that's the main thing and (I got) a clean sheet and I thank the team for that," Sandhu said.
"I'm the only Indian player to play for a top division club in Europe so... I'm lucky," he said.
The Mohali boy has played for I-League clubs East Bengal and the now defunct Pailan Arrows previously.
The 23-year-old joined Mohammad Salim, Baichung Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri and Subrata Paul among others who have all played for European teams.
