NEW DELHI: Bengaluru FC have secured the services of the Indian Super League-winning Montenegrin centre-back Slavko Damjanovic, as announced by the club on Wednesday. Damjanovic, who played a crucial role in ATK Mohun Bagan's title-winning campaign last season, aims to fill the void left by the departure of Sandesh Jhingan, who joined FC Goa.
Expressing his excitement, the 30-year-old defender acknowledged Bengaluru FC's strong performances in the past two seasons but emphasised the team's desire to claim the ISL title.
"The club has had two great seasons but have been unlucky not to win the ISL title. I'm looking forward to meeting my teammates, the coaching staff, and supporters. The aim is to give the fans the Indian Super League title, and I hope to be part of a squad that has a successful season," said Damjanovic in a club statement.
Born in Niksic, Montenegro, Damjanovic began his career in his home country, playing for clubs such as Celik Nikšic, Mogren, Sutjeska Nikšic, and Mornar. He later moved to Serbia and represented Spartak Subotica and Backa 1901. The defender also had stints in South Africa, Hungary, and Uzbekistan before joining Chennaiyin FC in 2021.
Bengaluru FC's head coach, Simon Grayson, praised Damjanovic's experience and impressive performances in the ISL, particularly when he played against them for ATK Mohun Bagan last season. Grayson highlighted the defender's winning mentality, strength, and balance, which will be valuable additions to the team's defensive unit.
"Slavko is a well-experienced ISL defender who really impressed when he played for ATK Mohun Bagan against us last year. He'll bring a fantastic attitude, winning mentality, strength, and balance to our defensive unit," said Grayson.
Standing at 6'2" tall, Damjanovic has made 29 appearances in the ISL over two seasons. He scored his only ISL goal in February 2023 during the Kolkata derby, opening the scoring as ATK Mohun Bagan secured a 2-0 victory over East Bengal.
Damjanovic becomes the first foreign signing for Bengaluru FC ahead of the new season, joining the previously announced arrivals of winger Halicharan Narzary and goalkeeper Vikram Singh. With his experience and skills, Damjanovic aims to contribute to Bengaluru FC's pursuit of the coveted ISL title in the upcoming season.
(With inputs from PTI)
