When I joined BFC, Sunil Chhetri was the first person to meet me, reminisces Udanta Singh

The winger is set to leave Bengaluru FC, after spending nine years with the club.

Since the start of his footballing career, Udanta Singh has been an invariable servant to Bengaluru FC. From his early years at the club, when he flared his magic in the I-League, to then establishing his name in the Indian Super League, Udanta’s journey has been sensational.

A player loved by the club and its fans, Udanta’s name could often be heard around the stands of West Block Blues, who didn’t spare a second, in appreciating the masterclass that the player showcased.

But as all great journeys come to an end, Udanta’s time at Bengaluru has also reached its ultimatum, and the player is set to leave this summer. He will be joining FC Goa, as revealed by Khel Now in January. In a recent interview with BFC media, Udanta retraced his incredible journey with the club.

Here are some of the excerpts from the chat.

Journey with Bengaluru FC

Having joined the club at the mere age of 17, Udanta Singh has learnt a lot at the club, and has grown immensely both as a team player, and also as an individual. Remembering his time at the club, Udanta shared how Bengaluru helped him become the player he is today.

“It was an amazing journey and I have learnt so much. I met so many coaches and players and I've been surrounded by the best people in the club. I came as a kid, now I'm an adult. So yes, when you join a club and when you feel in your heart, it automatically says it's my home and it's easy to stay here,” Udanta exclaimed.

“I learned so much. And as a player you have to keep learning and it's not easy. You haven't spent your first first half entirely in BFC. It's not easy to take a decision, it's very hard and first I just talked to my family, it's time to move on.

They said, 'Are you sure?'. I said I have to. It's football and you have to move on and think of yourself. I have learnt so much from them and it's a different coach, different mentality. And yes, I don't have any favourites. All of them are favourites,” Udanta added, revealing how difficult it was to make the decision of leaving the club.

On Sunil Chhetri’s influence

Sunil Chhetri and Udanta Singh have both shared a special bond ever since the teenager arrived at the club. Their friendship can be witnessed on the pitch as well, as the two have had an incredible partnership at Bengaluru.

Speaking on the impact that Chhetri has had on him, Udanta said, “When I joined this club, he was the first player to meet me. As a kid and a young player you have to look up to your senior players so I look up myself and yes it was easy for me to join this club and and I was happy.“

Top three moments of his career

Udanta also shared some of his best moments of his career so far. “Three moments. First, I'll pick AFC Cup game against North Korea, that's one of my best and secondly the second leg against NorthEast United in the semi-final at home. We beat them 3-0 that's second. Third I'll say Hero Super Cup, first Super Cup against Gokulam Kerala we beat them in the last minute 3-1.”