Former India captain and all-time leading goalscorer Sunil Chhetri has said he is both delighted and envious that the current national team will face high-profile opposition later this year. The Indian team is all set for three friendly fixtures scheduled against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama, and the legendary Chhetri has shared his thoughts.
Sunil Chhetri feels ‘a little jealous’ as India prepare for friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama
In a clip shared by the All India Football Federation, the 42-year-old, who retired from international football last year, described the fixtures as a rare opportunity he never enjoyed during his own long career. He said:
“I am really happy and a little bit jealous that the boys are going to play against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama.”
Chhetri added:
“I feel a little jealous as a spectator. In my 24–26 years as a professional and nearly 20 years with the national team, I never got an opportunity like this.”
India will host Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on 26 September, followed by matches against five-time world champions Brazil on 3 October and Uruguay on 6 October, both at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Chhetri, who scored 95 international goals in 157 appearances, added that it was now the turn of the younger generation. The friendlies represent some of the strongest opposition India have faced in recent years and are expected to provide valuable experience for a side currently ranked around 138th in the world.
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