KOCHI: Ivan Vukomanovic has shared an emotional post on Instagram after his resignation as head coach of Kerala Blasters. He coached the Blasters for three seasons and took the team to the playoffs every season. He managed to lead the Blasters to the finals in his first season in 2021-22.
Although different coaches have coached the Blasters over ten seasons, he was the most loved one of the fans. Malayalees fondly called him Aasan. Ivan Vukomanovic was also a person who had great intimacy and closeness with Blasters fans. Therefore, he did not forget to remember the Malayalees while stepping down.
Dear Kerala,
It is very hard to write these words without emotions and tears in the eyes. There are many decisions in our lives we have to take in order to move forward. I am certain that both for me and the club this decision was hard to be taken. Since the first moment I arrived in Kerala, I felt nothing but emotion, respect, support, gratitude and love. Immediately I felt the connection with the city, region and people of Kerala.
I felt peace in my mind and my heart.
I felt home.
I felt accepted.
I felt being part of a marvellous environment and community.
Thanks to all of you I never felt alone being far away from my family.
You became my family, my home.
The fans – OMG... You guys rocked the whole world. There is nothing similar to you. Your voice, your echo, your power, your dedication, your love, the yellow sea of emotion... Every pitch entry was giving me goosebumps, tears in my eyes... So many games we won thanks to you and your powerful support... The game after suspension, that moment... I owe you everything for those emotions. That's something that remains for the whole life. I will never forget it.
And to all the others from north to south... Manjeshwar, Kasaragod, Kannur, Thalassery, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Munnar, Thrissur, Kochi and all the way down to Thiruvananthapuram (apologies if I forgot someone)... Thank you all for making me feel at home in Kerala...
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. At the end, we all know that I cannot say goodbye because we know that our paths will cross again. We will meet again.
Kerala, I love you.
Forever yours,
Aashan Ivan
Ivan Vukomanovich wrote on Instagram.