FC Goa has confirmed the signing of one of Indian football's most well-known names and the national team's commander-in-chief in defence, Sandesh Jhingan.
The 29-year-old centre-back joins on a three-year contract and will be the third Indian international to join the FC Goa ranks this summer, following the arrivals of Rowllin Borges and Udanta Singh.
"I am happy at the chance to represent what is a fantastic football club. FC Goa have and keep doing so many things consistently well, so to be able to contribute to that effort is something I am looking forward to," Jhingan said after signing on the dotted line for the Gaurs.
I am excited to link up with my new teammates, the coaching staff and learn from all of them
Sandesh Jhingan
"I am excited to link up with my new teammates, the coaching staff and learn from all of them. Needless to say, I’m excited about the prospect of playing in front of the fans of this football club, who always seem to bring a fantastic atmosphere with them to the games."
Commenting on the signing, Ravi Puskur, FC Goa’s Director of Football stated, "We are delighted to welcome Jhingan back to Goa, where he has previously passed through on his footballing journey. Since then, he has grown tremendously and established himself as one of the country's top players in his position."
We are delighted to welcome Jhingan back to Goa, where he has previously passed through on his footballing journey
Ravi Puskur, FC Goa’s Director of Football
One of the first names on the team sheet for the Indian national team, Jhingan has been a part of the starting XI ever since his debut in 2-0 win over Nepal in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in 2015.
The past weekend saw him add further laurels on the international stage as he helped the national team get their hands on the 2023 Hero Intercontinental Cup where he helped India to the trophy, leading a perfect campaign at the back with the Blue Tigers not conceding once throughout the competition.
The campaign also saw Jhingan earn his 50th cap for the national team.
Jhingan has been a part of the Indian Super League since the league’s first-ever season, reaching the finals on four different occasions - in 2014, 2016, 2021 and 2023. And will be hungry to get his hands finally on the coveted trophy with FC Goa this season.
FC Goa is banking on the centre-back to show his football heroics in the coming season.