A piece of my heart will always beat for Kerala Blasters- Sachin Tendulkar

The southerners also denied Lulu Group International's takeover of the club.

Since the news of Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar's exit from Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters came into daylight, many have speculated the reason for his leaving. As the Blasters fans have been waiting to hear Tendulkar's side of the story, the Master Blaster has issued a statement, dubbing his time with the ISL outfit a "thrilling experience."

"In its fifth year, it is important that the club puts the building blocks for the next five years and beyond. It is also a time for me to reflect on the role that I should play. After reflecting and much discussion with my team, I have decided to exit my association with Kerala Blasters as a co-promoter," Tendulkar said. 

Meanwhile, reports came out suggesting that Lulu Group International, owned by Kerala-born businessman Yusuff Ali MA have bought the stakes of Kerala Blasters. However, franchise CEO Tarun Tripuraneni released a statement that confirmed Sachin's selling of his shares, but denied the involvement of the Lulu Group. 

"The existing 80 per cent of KBFC comprising of IQuest, Mr Chiranjeevi and Mr Allu Aravind have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Sachin Tendulkar’s 20 per cent stake in the club,” the club release read.

“Any other news regarding the shareholding is purely speculative in nature. Sachin has been a great support and we thank him for his immense contribution to KBFC. He will forever be a member of the Yellow Army," it continued.

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Sachin Tendulkar also had some kind words for the club and its fans as he went on to say, "I strongly believe that Kerala Blasters is in very good shape and on its path to attain many more successes with the backing of its fans offering unconditional support. I am very proud of Kerala Blasters and a piece of my heart will always beat for the club."

"Over the last four years, Kerala Blasters Football Club has been an integral part of my life. I have undergone all the emotions that millions of Kerala Blasters fans have undergone during this period," he asserted.

"It has been a thrilling experience to chase this pursuit and something which I will always cherish," the batting great said in the statement.

Kerala Blaster kick-off their ISL campaign on 29 September against ATK in Kolkata.