Eugene moves to newer pastures

After three fruitful years of being the midfield engine at Bengaluru FC (BFC), Eugeneson Lyngdoh reaped rewards for his efforts with Amar Tomar Kolkata (formerly Atletico de Kolkata) making the joint-costliest bid (Rs 1.1 crore) for him at the Indian Super League draft in June.

Despite emotional pang while responding to his long-term association with BFC, Eugeneson remained stoic and maintained that such circumstances are a part and parcel of sport.

Speaking on the sidelines of a training session ahead of India’s AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Macau on Wednesday, Eugeneson quipped: “It felt different while getting off the plane here. Normally I’ll finish the game and head home but this time around, I head to Kolkata instead and that’s something I’m not used to as yet.

“Ashley (Westwood) and the management did a great job on me during my time here. It is something I really benfitted from. But at the end of the day, I have to move on,” he added about his time under former BFC boss Westwood, whom he will link up with at ATK as the Englishman is the technical director of the setup.

India sit comfortably atop the Group A standings with an all-win record ahead of their reverse fixtures, which kick-off at the Sree Kanteerava stadium.

Another win on Wednesday could virtually seal an Asian Cup berth for Stephen Constantine’s men and Eugeneson stressed that the camp was confident but still wary of the threat Macau could pose.

“Team is very confident. We’ve got nine points from three games so far so we’re positive and at the same time, not overconfident. Looking for all three points. That is a must.

“Too early to talk about qualifying but with a win here and draws in the other two fixtures (Kyrgyzstan away and Myanmar at home) would definitely leave us in pole position to qualify.”

A month ago, the medio turned 31 but he brushed aside any suggestion of considering himself a senior statesman, stating that he hadn’t been part of the side for a long time.

“(With a chuckle) Don’t really consider myself as someone that senior considering I have spent only three years in the national set-up.

“But, of course, in the dressing room, I definitely impart my knowledge with the younger players and help them in every way I can.”

The Shillong-born player, who also studied at Bishop Cotton Boys’ School in the city, was all praise for the Indian colts despite their 3-0 loss to the USA in the on-going FIFA under-17 World Cup.

“They are a very eager bunch of players. I think they did well in that second half against the USA and showed some intent. A tournament like this is great for Indian football and we need to build on a tournament like this,” he signed-off.

DH News Service