After a 2019 that a Kiwi footballer could only dream of, All Whites and Bayern Munich midfielder Sarpreet Singh this morning touched down in Auckland for the holiday season.
With Bayern Munich and the Bundesliga currently on a winter break, Singh made the long-haul trek from Bavaria, spending Christmas with his family in Auckland.
Impressive stints with the Wellington Phoenix and the Junior All Whites at the Under 19 World Cup in Poland saw Singh signed by the German powerhouse, initially intended to turn out for their reserve side in Germany's third tier.
However, impressive form and injuries have seen the 20-year-old bumped into Bayern's senior squad, making his Bundesliga debut against Werder Bremen earlier this month.
Speaking to 1 NEWS at Auckland Airport this morning, Singh opened up on what's been an incredible 12 months.
A 30-hour round trip to New Zealand leaving the young attacking midfielder with plenty of time to ponder how far he's come.
"It's a good time just to reflect on the year I've had," Singh told 1 NEWS.
"It's been a crazy year, I've had some unbelievable experiences. For me, now's a good time to take my mind off things, [and] just relax for 10 days before I go back on to the training camp with the [Bayen] first team."
Settling into Germany nicely, Singh is adamant that he can't get carried away by his early success, having to stick to the hard work that's gotten him this far.
"When I first arrived, I knew what I wanted. As soon as I got to Europe, I knew I just wanted to be the best player I can be.
"As soon as I got there it [was] all about work for me. Fortunately enough, I'm in a good environment where I can improve every single day, I've got the facilities and the trainers around me.
"It's been a solid start, but it's just a start, and next year is even bigger."
One of many Kiwis plying their trade in Europe at present, with the likes of Chris Wood (Burnley) and Winston Reid (West Ham) playing in the Premier League, and Ryan Thomas at PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands.
None of those clubs hold the same status in world football as Bayern though, Singh having arguably the biggest platform to inspire youngsters back home, with arguably one of the world's top five clubs.
The former Wellington Phoenix star hoping to pave the way for the next generation.
"It's pretty special. Growing up I didn't think it would be something that would happen.
"But here I am - I'm playing for a big club.
"It shows the kids coming through that if you work hard enough, that anything's possible.
"Continue to work hard, dream big, and fight for your goals."
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