Indian centre-back Sandesh Jhingan will become the first India international footballer to play in the Croatian top-tier league after completing a move from ATK Mohun Bagan to HNK Sibenik. He said that he would be “tested to the limit” while he enhances his game outside his comfort zone at the Croatian league Prva HNL.

“This will enhance my game. This is where I would be tested to my limit. Challenges wise, if I can put in the work, if I stay disciplined enough then I can see if I can get into the starting XI,” news agency PTI quoted Jhingan as saying.

“It’s quite challenging but I trust myself, my work ethic, it’s always on me whether I will play or not,” Jhingan added.

“I dreamt big, worked hard for it, remained disciplined and made sacrifices to achieve my full potential,” he added.

The top central defender said: “I think I am at a stage of my career where I really want to test myself in the highest-level possible and I think this is the perfect platform for me. It has been my personal desire to play in Europe and I have taken up this challenge upon myself.”

Named India’s footballer of the year last month, the 28-year-old is already in Croatia and watched Sunday’s home win against Hrvatski Dragovoljac in the country of the 2018 World Cup finalists.

Asked if big moves such as these are going to help the Indian senior team, he responded in the positive.

“When I go back I will have to earn my place in the national team and once I make it, hopefully, I will also play better in the national team, and the national team will also look good with one of its playing player better football.”

“I never went after money, I always chose glory over money. That’s how I take my decisions… I would sleep with a clear conscience. Yes, it’s the right decision.”

The defender has two ISL runners-up medals with Kerala Blasters FC where he spent six years and moved to ATK Mohun Bagan in 2020 after missing the previous season due to injury.

He thanked his previous club ATK Mohun Bagan for supporting him. “The move from ATK Mohun Bagan to Sibilik was difficult because I have a lot of respect for their (ATK Mohun Bagan) management and owners.