Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has confirmed his exit from the Kerala Blasters Football Club. In an official statement, he said that he will not be continuing any longer as a club co-promoter. "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," according to an official statement.
"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,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, business tycoon M.A. Yusuf Ali’s Lulu Group International is all set to take over Blasters Sports Pvt Ltd, according to a report in Goal.com. Tendulkar, who has a 20 per cent share, has been associated with the Blasters ever since the ISL’s inception in 2014. He was a star presence in many of Blasters’ home matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
