Saturday, Nov 05, 2022 07:45 [IST]
Last Update: Saturday, Nov 05, 2022 02:08 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Star Sikkimese footballer Robin Gurung has announced his retirement from professional football after 15 years of playing for top ISL and I-League clubs of the country.
In his social media post on Friday, Robin shared his decision to retire from professional football due to a persistent knee injury and will focus on grassroots football development in his home State.
The 31-year-footballer from Geyzing is a product of State Sports Academy, Gangtok and a contemporary of other elite Sikkimese footballers like Nirmal Chettri, Sanju Pradhan and Bikash Jairu.
The right winger/defender started his football career from ONGC before moving ahead to play for I-League clubs like Shillong Lajong, Ar-Hima and East Bengal. Altogether he played for nine years in I-League. He also played six seasons in ISL, three years each for Northeast United FC and Jamshedpur FC.
However, a persistent right knee injury hampered his performance at top levels and Robin last played for Bengaluru United in Bengaluru League in 2020-21. Since then, he has been largely inactive from club football.
“After being injured, it really hit me hard and I was not able to give my cent per cent. This is one of the biggest reasons for me to quit professional football. I tried my best at Bengaluru League but could not make a comeback from the knee injury,” said Robin to SIKKIM EXPRESS.
Robin expressed his happiness over a fulfilling career as a professional footballer for 15 years during which he also played for the Indian national team on one occasion in a World Cup qualifier. I am happy with my career, it was a long career and I could play for top clubs in I-League and ISL, he said.
The former ISL & I-League footballer has thanked all his coaches, clubs and colleagues for their support and guidance during his long football journey. He especially thanked Chief Minister P.S. Golay for giving him a strong foundation to start his career.
“I am very grateful to our Chief Minister P.S. Golay for his support. He has a huge hand in shaping my career. During his time as a Sports minister, he played a proactive role to send footballers like me, Bikash Jairu, Sanju Pradhan, Nirmal Chettri and others to play for big clubs outside the State. Clubs outside did not know me but because of his support, I got an opportunity to show my talent to the clubs and I clicked as a footballer during his time,” said Robin.
Robin now wants to spend the rest of his playing days in Sikkim and focus on developing grassroots football through his club Red Panda FC, Namchi. “I would be more involved with Red Panda FC and share my knowledge to the young talents. I want to take this club foward and also work for football development at grassroots level,” he said.
