ISL 2018: Daniel Lalhlimpuia and Bengaluru FC part ways
What's the story?
Indian Super League (ISL) side Bengaluru FC have parted ways with striker Daniel Lalhlimpuia after a three-year journey with the Mizoram forward.
In case you didn't know...
Daniel Lalhimpuia began his football career with the Chandigarh Football Academy before being inducted in the AIFF Elite Academy in 2013. He donned India colours for the first time in the 2011 SAFF U-16 Championship. He made his National Team professional debut against Puerto Rico in 2016 in a friendly which India won 4-1 when he replaced Sunil Chhetri. He started making it to the Indi a Starting XI for the first time in 2017 against Cambodia in a friendly, which India went on to win 3-2.
Daniel Lalhlimpuia was picked up by Bengaluru FC in 2015. Since then he has appeared for the Blues a record 49 times and has scored on 7 occasions. In fact, he became the youngest ever goalscorer at 18 years and six months for the Blues after his winner against Mumbai FC at the Kanteerava in the I-League.
Daniel Lalhlimpuia underwent a short spell with Chennaiyin FC on loan in the Indian Super League 2016.
The heart of the matter
Daniel Lalhlimpuia has spent almost three years with Bengaluru FC and was pivotal to Bengaluru FC's successful three years. The Blues had to rotate their squad on several occasions as they fielded teams in the BDFA Super Division, I-League, Indian Super League, AFC Cup, Super Cup, Federation Cup resulting in a shortage of players. Lalhlimpuia was a crucial addition to the Blues and came handy in filling up the team in absence/unavailability of key players.
The Serchhip born forward took to Twitter earlier today to announce his departure from the Bengaluru Based Club. Here is what he tweeted :
He thanked the fans and the Bengaluru FC Management for their continued support to the young striker throughout the three years.
What's next?
With the Indian Football Transfer Window all set to open on June 9 and run up to August 31, the Mizoram based forward is sure to get some lucrative offers from India's top clubs.
Author's Take
Daniel Lalhlimpuia was largely confined to the substitutes list during his tenure with Bengaluru FC, he should look for prolonged game time in the next club he goes to. It would also be interesting to see how Bengaluru FC fills the void created by the departure of Lalhlimpuia.