Ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL 2023-24), Bengaluru FC confirmed the departure of winger Udanta Singh, who leaves the club after nine years.
With 207 appearances, Udanta has the most appearances for Bengaluru FC, behind club captain Sunil Chhetri and was also teammate to Blues’ Director of Football Darren Caldeira, between 2014 and 2016.
Singh represented the Blues for six ISL seasons since the 2017-18 campaign, making 108 appearances while registering 11 goals and 15 assists during his time with the Blues.
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One of the fastest players in India, Singh is a product of the prestigious Tata Football Academy. The Manipur winger signed for Bengaluru FC in 2014 and won many trophies during his time with the Blues including the ISL, I-League, Federation Cup, Durand Cup and the Super Cup title. He was also an important part of the BFC squad that reached the final of the AFC Cup in 2016.
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Singh had a breakthrough ISL season during the 2017-18 campaign, playing an important role in Bengaluru FC’s run to the final. He contributed a goal and seven assists that campaign, which was the joint-highest assist tally that season. The winger produced five goals and three assists the following season, taking his game up a notch as Bengaluru FC lifted the ISL trophy.
However, the Manipur-born player has struggled to maintain consistency since then. Singh netted just five goals in the last four ISL seasons, dropping down the pecking order. However, he established himself as a fan favourite among the BFC faithful and leaves the club having won six titles.
“It is an emotional moment for me, because this club gave me everything. As a youngster at TATA Football Academy, my dream was to play senior-level football for any football club. That I would get to do that for a club like Bengaluru FC was something I never imagined. It has been a beautiful story,” said Udanta.
“My first memories of Bengaluru FC are still fresh; walking into the dressing room of a champion team and then going on to win all the titles that we did along the way. I’ve grown a lot as an individual, both on and off the pitch. I’ll miss everything, a lot, but it’s time for a new challenge,” Udanta added.
“Udanta made a big impression when he played against Bengaluru FC in a practice match in 2014. When we signed him up, he was still only 18, but soon established himself as a first-team starter. He has been a fantastic asset to this football club over the years, and as he embarks on a new challenge, we’re wishing him the best. I’m more than certain that he will return to a brilliant reception whenever he is back at the Kanteerava,” said Caldeira.