AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: All India Football Federation General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das congratulated Bengaluru FC on winning the Airtel I-League 2013-14.

“Congratulations Bengaluru FC. You are the deserving Champions. Enjoy the moment,” Mr. Das stated.

Airtel I-League CEO Sunando Dhar said: “They may have been the new entrants but have led the way and paved the path for all to tread in the future. Congratulations!” he told www.i-league.org.

Moments after the epochal triumph, an emotionally charged India and BFC Captain Sunil Chhetri said: “There are very few moments in my career that will match the significance of this one.

“It’s been a team effort since Day One. We’ve fought hard, trained harder and none of us are surprised that we are here today. If anything, we are delighted. This team is going down history. We are the champions of India.”

Coach Ashley Westwood echoed his Captain: “Just want to congratulate and thank everybody connected to the club who has made this possible.

“We have shown what can be achieved with a combined team effort. I just hope everybody realizes how big an achievement this has been for a brand new club and I would also like to say a special thanks to the fans who made Bangalore a special place to play for all of us.”

Bengaluru FC got the better of Dempo 4-2 to win the League. In a match where they needed a win to assure the crown sat pretty on them going into the final round of fixtures, Sean Rooney gave the Blues a flying start in only the second minute of the match. There was no looking back since then with Robin Singh and John Menyongar getting on the scoresheet at the other side of the half.

A late scare for the visitors came when Roberto Mendes Silva and substitute Romeo Fernanades pegged two goals back in quick succession but Captain Marvel Chhetri eased a few nerves with his injury time strike to kickstart wild celebrations.

Bengaluru FC courtesy their win, will bag a prize money of Rs. 70 lakhs. The runners up of the seventh Airtel I-League are supposed to get Rs. 40 lakhs while the third and fourth placed teams wil be richer by Rs. 25 and 15 lakhs respectively.