PANAJI: Sandesh Jhingan returns to Bengaluru FC after five years, this time on a permanent deal.
The India defender spent the second half of the 2016-17 season on loan from Kerala Blasters at Bengaluru, winning the Federation Cup and making it to the top of the group in the AFC Cup.
Those memories of playing at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the club's Fortress, are still fresh for Jhingan, so when Bengaluru came calling, he didn't hesitate.
"The memories of me being here played a big role," Jhingan told TOI after completing his move on Sunday. "I came on loan and had some great memories with the team. Lot of players are still here from that time. We had a great time, some good results.
"I am lucky enough to play in fine stadiums like Kochi, Fatorda, Salt Late with the (Mohun) Bagan fans. There's a very special connection with Kanteerava. During my initial days with the national team, we played a lot of games here. I think the first time I started doing the Viking clap was here. I have a special connection with the ground."
Jhingan, 29, spent the last two seasons at ATK Mohun Bagan. In-between, he signed for HNK Sibenik, but an injury that he picked up during training with the club meant he could not make his debut in the Croatian top-tier league.
He returned home, joined ATKMB, and when his short-term contract ended, mulled over the possibility of playing abroad, before eventually deciding to switch to Bengaluru.
"When things got over between ATK Mohun Bagan and me this season, I took some time off with my family to decide where I will move next. Then I spoke with Sunil paaji. I know the DNA of the club. BFC have been one of the top clubs since inception.
"I know how much they want to achieve, and it's not just in football but other sports too. Look at what JSW are doing (in sports). I know the DNA of this family and the group. I have always gone with my gut feeling, and my gut was to join Bengaluru," said Jhingan, one of Igor Stimac's three national captains.
Bengaluru won a major national trophy every season since their inception in 2013, alternating between I-League titles, Federation Cup, Super Cup and Indian Super League (ISL).
The club has been left empty handed for the last two seasons. But with some big signings this season which includes Roy Krishna, Javi Hernandez, Prabir Das, and now Jhingan, that wait could end soon.
"The club's DNA is always to go for the title. They have quality from last season, and like any big team with big aspirations, they have added more fuel to the tank with new faces. Every team builds a squad to win trophies. We have the same goals," said Jhingan.
In his eight seasons in ISL, Jhingan has played three finals, but the trophy has eluded him. There have been heartbreaks with late goals and a penalty shootout, but the India defender knows each time he took the field, he only gave his best.
"You should always give your best to win the trophy but that does not mean, you are going to lift it. I would have loved to win the trophy. I've played the (ISL) final three times. Every two years I have been in the final and playoffs.
"When I look back, I wish I had the trophy, but do I have any regrets? No. I know individually I have given my everything in my career till now. I have given everything collectively to make the team walk the same path, towards winning the trophy. I have zero regrets. When I look back, I have a smile on my face," said Jhingan.
