Need to work hard to achieve AFC Champions League dream, says Suresh Singh Wangjam

The midfielder extends his stay with the club after signing a five-year deal.

Bengaluru FC’s Suresh Singh Wangjam has agreed to sign a five-year extension with the Indian Super League outfit (as earlier revealed by Khel Now). The defensive-midfielder came to the Blues as an 18-year-old and quickly became one of the most significant players in the squad.

His presence in midfield is immense for Bengaluru FC and the management made no delays in tying Suresh Singh Wangjam to a long-term deal. It was a brilliant 2022-23 season for both the 22-year-old and the Blues as they made it to three finals - Durand Cup, the ISL and the Hero Super Cup. 

In a recent interview released by the club, Suresh Singh Wangjam spoke candidly after extending his stay with Bengaluru FC until 2028. Here are some excerpts from the conversation. 

'Delighted to be here'

Speaking about his journey with Bengaluru FC, Wangjam said, “It was an easy decision. This city is my second home and I started my professional career here at this club. The fans and the club also really love me. So, I'm really delighted to be here. I still remember when I joined here for the first time. 

“When I joined here, I was just thinking about getting some game time but I believe I have done a great job. At the same time, I have been surrounded by good people and to be honest, I've really improved on and off the pitch, so I think it's been a great journey,” he further said.

The belief of the head coach

Talking about the trust from the boss, Suresh Singh Wangjam expressed gratitude. He said, “Yes, the coach trusted me a lot and this gives me more responsibility because playing No. 6 in the team, it's a big responsibility. I want to thank the coach for believing in me.

“It's also pressuring but I love taking pressure and I'm really enjoying it.,” Suresh added that he relishes playing under difficult circumstances.

Role of the fans

Explaining how the fans were crucial in helping the midfielder settle into new surroundings, Wangjam said, “When I joined (BFC), I was very, very lucky. The first season only, the fans, the club, they were really welcoming. So, I saw my future here. I think that made it easier for me because I can't describe the love of the fans for me and the club in words. I think I can proudly say that they are one of the best fan bases in the country. I think it was very, very easy for me to sign because of them.”

Aspirations going forward

Talking about the goals for him personally and for the club collectively, the 22-year-old said, “I want to give my best for the club and yes, the club wants to play in the (AFC) Champions League which is the biggest competition in Asia. So yes, we are dreaming of it but at the same time we really need to work hard to achieve that goal.”

A word of thanks

Expressing his gratitude, Suresh thanked the coaches for their continuous support. In this context, he said, “I want to really thank the coach and the coaching staff because to be honest, at the start of the season, I was not in (good) form. I was injured in the pre-season, so I was not able to pick up the form. The good part was that the coach trusted me, believed in me and gave me a lot of chances."