Report: East Bengal sign Omid Singh for upcoming season

The 29-year-old winger is also ready to relinquish his Iranian passport to play for the Indian Football Team.

Omid Singh has signed a two-year contract with East Bengal for the upcoming I-League season, reports The Times of India.

Singh, a PIO card-holder born and brought up in Iran, is also eligible to play for the Indian Football Team as his father holds an Indian passport. Apparently, the player is all set to fulfil the criteria to attain the citizenship of India in an aim to play for the National Team.

Currently, Omid Singh plays for Naft Masjed Soleyman FC in the Persian Gulf Pro League in Iran. He started his playing career for Iranian outfit Gahar Zagroz and various other top-flight clubs like Esteghlal Khuzestan, Pars Jonoubi and Nassaji.

Last year he had expressed his wish to play for India in an interview with Tehran Times where he had said, “I liked to play for Iran national football team, but I was not invited to Team Melli. At the moment, Iran are one of the best teams in Asia and it’s hard to be part of the team. Mr. Stimac called me and I accepted to play for India."

He further went on to add, “I am not familiar with the Indian Football Team but I know that they have progressed a lot in recent years. David James, Robert Pires, Nicolas Anelka, Roberto Carlos and Zico have played in Indian Super League in the past years.”

There has been a continuous demand of coaches to allow Indian origin players in foreign countries to play for India and there have been various instances when ex-National Team coach Stephen Constantine voiced his opinion about the same. Current head coach Igor Stimac shared the same views.

During a pre match press conference in the Intercontinental Cup last year, Igor Stimac quoted, “If every other country is allowing the players to have a second passport and play for their country of origin, why shouldn’t we do that? It could help us.”

Yet, Omid Singh’s move to East Bengal comes as a surprise for many. The Red and Golds are currently in pursuit of a much-awaited league title. Singh's addition could further boost their chances of achieving what they have been dreaming for since long.