Legendary Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement on May 16 in a video posted on his social media. Chhetri will make his final appearance on June 6 against Kuwait at the Salt Lake Stadium in the second round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match.
On the day of his retirement, his childhood coach recalled the time he took him in a train to sign up for Mohun Bagan in 1999 and when he spotted him at the Mamta Modern Senior Secondary School in Vikaspuri.
"I am not in touch with Sunil but I still remember the first time I took him and another player, Manoj Joshi, to Kolkata in a train to sign up for Mohun Bagan in 1999," Sajid told PTI in an exclusive interaction at the Ambedkar Stadium, Delhi.
"During that journey, I told him (Chhetri) that he really had a high potential and only if he remained focussed, nothing would stop him from playing for India. He proved my words right."
Sajid also remembered the time when he offered Chhetri his maiden club contract worth Rs 6,500. Chhetri was 16-year-old then and went on to win the emerging player of the year award in his first season.
"Nageshwar Rao, a player from our City Football Club, facilitated my meeting with Sunil," said Sajid, who is now the City Club's CEO.
"I still remember offering him a contract worth Rs 6500 per year and asked him to play in the Delhi League and the Durand Cup.”
"As soon as I handed him the token (amount) of Rs 1000, he was elated — as if he had got a cheque worth lakhs of rupees. He was very happy and shared with me that with that money he wanted to give a treat to his friends," Sajid recollected.
"His (Chhetri's) potential was unwavering and I felt it from the first day that he must play outside Delhi as a professional, which would be fruitful for him."
Chhetri went on to score 94 goals in 150 matches. He feels that there is no player who can replace India's leading goal-scorer.
"No, I don’t see any player right now to replace Sunil. Maybe in the future, yes, but right now, there is no one," he said.
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