Gurkirat Singh joined Mumbai City FC from the Indian Arrows in 2021, and played a total of 80 minutes for them during his first season at the club. It would be quite remarkable if the figures remain the same a year from now, though, as Gurkirat’s stock has increased ever since the conclusion of the SAFF U20 Championship.
The teenage striker demonstrated enough promise to be regarded as one of India’s best attacking prospects in recent years. Following a stellar campaign, Gurkirat Singh sat down for an exclusive chat with IFTWC to discuss about the tournament, Mumbai City FC, and the Durand Cup.
“It was a great feeling. Wearing the Indian jersey is a dream for so many kids and I got the opportunity. Our performance was very good and it was a major boost for us.”
Gurkirat was the joint top scorer in the 2019 SAFF U-18 tournament as well. Singh, formerly a defender (YES!), owes a lot to Flyod Pinto who deployed him as a forward in 2018 while he was with the Arrows. Ever since then, there has been no looking back for the 19-year-old.
Des Buckingham has been leading the pre-season of Mumbai City FC for the past month which included a three-week training camp at Dubai.
“The motivation is high and this season will be good for us. I want to maintain my performances from the SAFF Cup. I want to give something to the team every time I take on the field.“
Gurkirat Singh also shared his thoughts on the game against Indian Navy which they won 4-1.
“It was the first game of the season and was a must win game. We played a great match and got three points. I was happy that I got some game time.”
Gurkirat has shown his versatility in the frontline but his personal preference is playing on the wings.
“I played striker for the National Team but I like playing on the wings a bit more.”
Mumbai City FC has a stacked attack with Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Greg Stewart being the latest additions. The presence of Vikram Pratap Singh, Bipin Singh and Lallianzuala Chhnagte does not make things easier for Gurkirat as well.
“The competition motivates me a lot. I get to learn a lot from the players as well. I have observed that I have improved a lot from the last season. There should be a healthy competition in every team.”
The youngster was clear in his goals for the new season.
“I want to get selected for the senior team of India. I want to lift the ISL league title and the shield with Mumbai City FC this season.”
Gurkirat shared all of our excitement when asked about the return of Mumbaikars to the stadium after a two-year absence.
“Please keep coming to the stadium and support us. We cannot play without them. Come and cheer for us.”
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