Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar formally sells his stake in the football club Kerala Blasters and exits as its co-promoter. A statement from Sachin released on Sunday said it was time for him to reflect on his role in the club and said that it was important for the club to lay the building blocks for the next five years.
"In its fifth year, it is important that the club puts the building blocks for the next five years and beyond. It is also a time for me to reflect on the role that I should play. After reflecting and much discussion with my team, I have decided to exit my association with Kerala Blasters as a co-promoter," he said.
“My association with Kerala Blasters was driven with the intent to reignite the passion for the game and give the many fans and the abundant talent in Kerala a national platform to express themselves,” read the statement, which said that the club has been an integral part of his life.
It has also been reported that Lulu Group International, headed by Yusuf Ali, will buy the 20 per cent stake in the club from Sachin, thus becoming the sole owners of the club.
Sachin has been associated with Kerala Blasters since its inception in 2014. The club went on to play in the finals in two editions of the Indian Super League in 2014 and 2016 when he was with the club.
“I strongly believe that Kerala Blasters is in very good shape and on its path to attain many more successes with the backing of its fans offering unconditional support. I am very proud of Kerala Blasters and a piece of my heart will always beat for the club!” said the statement.
The text of the Sachin’s statement is reproduced below
“Over the last four years, Kerala Blasters Football Club has been an integral part of my life. I have undergone all the emotions that millions of Kerala Blasters fans have undergone during this period. My association with Kerala Blasters was driven with the intent to reignite the passion for the game and give the many fans and the abundant talent in Kerala, a national platform to express themselves. It has been a thrilling experience to chase this pursuit and something which I will always cherish.
In its fifth year, it is important that the club puts the building blocks for the next five years and beyond. It is also a time for me to reflect on the role that I should play. After reflecting and much discussion with my team, I have decided to exit my association with Kerala Blasters as a co-promoter. I strongly believe that Kerala Blasters is in very good shape and on its path to attain many more successes with the backing of its fans offering unconditional support.
I am very proud of Kerala Blasters and a piece of my heart will always beat for the club!”
- Sachin Tendulkar