Sunil Chhetri makes big statement about his international future
Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri has spoken about his international future. He was asked about his goals for the year 2020 and he opened about his plans
FollowNew Delhi: India’s star footballer and national team captain Sunil Chhetri on Friday (January 3) said he doesn’t “have many games left to play” for the country.
Chhetri made this remark when asked about his goals for the year 2020. “I understand that I don’t have many games left to play for my country. There’s no point in jumping the gun. Hence, personally I want to take one game at a time,” Chhetri said in press release posted on All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) website.
Also read: Bengaluru FC host FC Goa in ISL clash
The 35-year-old Chhetri, who is currently playing for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), said he wants India to qualify for AFC Asian Cup 2023 in China.
“As a team, we need to win as many games as possible. The eventual aim is to qualify for AFC Asian Cup China 2023. We need to be consistently qualifying for the Continental Championship and there can be no compromise on that aspect,” Chhetri, who is the second highest scorer in international football among active players, after Cristiano Ronaldo, said.
“The belief in the squad is unmistakable. There’s no reason why we can’t be in China,” he added.
Recently, Indian team's coach Igor Stimac had said Chhetri "has the body of a 29-year-old". To this, Chettri said, "I need to work harder now".
In the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers, India have three points from five matches. They will play Qatar at home on March 26.
“I am so proud that at my club (Bengaluru FC) we have five to six players playing for the country. It would be great if we can add to that number. There’s so much talent among the young lads. It’s important we continue doing what we are doing. Most importantly we can never get stagnant or complacent,” he said.
“At BFC we have really done well domestically. We want to continue on the trend domestically, and most definitely want to do well in Asia. There’s an opportunity knocking at our doors this year too, and we need to grab it.”
Never someone to mince words, the man with 72 International goals admitted that he “aims to be a better person that what I was in 2019.”
“Personally, there’s no stop to be a better human being. Little by little, not by making big promises, I need to be calmer, read more, spend more time with my loved ones, and be more mindful about nature and environment.”
“There can never be any stop to learn about different cultures by travelling to different places,” he informs. “And whatever comes your way, continue the healthy eating habits.”
In the last season of ISL, Bengaluru FC won the title. Today (January 3), they host FC Goa at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
