It's confirmed: Tendulkar parts ways with Kerala Blasters

New Delhi: Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday confirmed that he has sold off his 20 per cent stake in the Kerala Blasters Football Club. However, he did not specify who is the beneficiary.

"Over the last four years, the Kerala Blasters team has been an integral part of my life. 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," Tendulkar told Manorama Online Sunday.

"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 much discussion with my team, I have decided to exit Kerala Blasters. I strongly believe that Kerala Blasters team is in very good shape and on its path to attain many more successes with the backing of its fans.

"I am very proud of Kerala Blasters and a piece of my heart will always beat for the club," he said.

Tendulkar had been associated with the franchise since its inception in 2014 and was one of the co-owners along with industrialist Nimmagadda Prasad, producer Allu Arjun, actors Nagarjuna and Chiranjeevi.

Unconfirmed reports said business tycoon M A Yusuff Ali's Lulu Group has bought Tendulkar's stake.

The decision might come as a blow for the Blasters as Tendulkar had always been an integral part of the set-up and seen cheering the team at home and away games.

Tendulkar had bought the Kochi-based franchise back in April 2014 along with entrepreneur Prasad V Potluri.

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