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Completing 17 years in international football is no mean feat, but on June 12, the captain of the Indian football team, the iconic Sunil Chhetri achieved this exploit, while also leading the nation to their second consecutive AFC Asian Cup finals qualification. It is the first time that India have qualified for two straight editions of the premier continental competition, and 37-year-old Chhetri played no small part in this major deed.
The Bengaluru FC skipper scored four goals in their three group stage qualification matches, finding the net in all three matches. His goal against Hong Kong in the final game (after India already secured qualification), equalled the legendary Ferenc Puskas record of 84 international goals, another major achievement for the leading Indian goalscorer in the Indian Premier League (51).
After India's successful Asian Cup qualification campaign, Chhetri caught up with Sports Tak for an exclusive interview to talk about his feelings, inspiring another generation of footballers, and his future in the sport, among other things.
Here are excerpts from the interview:
How special does it feel to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup?
It's very special. But I am not only the one. I will give credit to the whole team. It's the whole team's job. The team had worked hard. It feels really good (to do this) at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The crowds are very energetic. It was a good journey of three matches.
You have equalled Puskas' record of international goals. Have you ever targeted chasing down these targets before?
There are no targets like this in my life. I just play well for my country. It feels good but targets are not on my mind.
You tweeted about the Kolkata Football Fans. How emotional and special was it for you to play in Kolkata?
I want to thank the football fans of India and Kolkata. It feels nice. In the last two years, we have played inside the bubble, there were no fans. It is important for the fans to be there in the stadiums. I hope they enjoyed it. The stadium was amazing.
What are the targets for the AFC Asian Cup now?
The plan is now to cultivate all the probables and the footballers together — those who are playing and those who will be selected. The boys know we have qualified now we have time, all have to give their best.
Your relations with the young players in the national team?
I do not get involved in a lot of things. The boys are very young. They are much younger than me, 15-20 years younger than me. That is why I keep my distance. I give them space. But there is mutual respect. They are very talented and good. At the end of the day, we are a happy bunch. We all clicked on the ground.
What are the changes and the transition of Indian Football that is coming through?
It has changed. But the target is to be within the top 10 teams in Asia. We have to keep our heads down and work hard. The players, the government, the federation, the media, fans, and everyone will have to come together and have to make sure that we can give our best for Football as early as possible.
What is Sunil Chhetri planning for himself in the coming 2-3 years of his football career?
If I am there or not, India should play in the higher stages. As far as I am concerned, every player knows that they have to work really hard. We have to try and have to do good in the AFC Asian Cup.
Baichung Bhutia and other ex-Indian Footballers say Sunil Chhetri should play for India for some years. What's your take on this?
They said these things so I respect them. It's their point of view. I am not taking this as pressure. But it's great to hear. We all played together. I will play as long as I enjoy the game. This thing obviously motivates me. I will say to my seniors through you that I will try my level best.
On belated Jamai Sashti Celebrations (Bengali Rituals at Law's House of Sunil).
I miss Kolkata. I want to come for these rituals every year. My mother-in-law organised this for me. I enjoyed every bit of the rituals. And I love Bengali food. I am very happy. I could not come on Jamai Sashti Day as there was a match. But I loved the celebration.
