Sunil Chhetri – Indian Football
The young ace Indian striker, Sunil Chhetri has revealed that he is missing his strike partner and former India Captain, Bhaichung Bhutia. The striker also cleared the air about the rumours linking him to Portuguese Giants, Benfica.
Sunil Chhetri has revealed that he is indeed missing the Indian Football sensation, Bhaichung Bhutia at the ongoing national team camp in New Delhi. The Indian team are currently preparing for their 2014 World Cup qualifier against UAE. After 3 days of preparation for the qualifiers, Chhetri admitted that he is missing his striker partner Bhaichung Bhutia. He stated that he is indeed missing ‘Bhai’, the striker addresses Bhutia that way which means Brother.
Chhetri stated “I am missing Bhai (Bhaichung). It’s difficult as I have never been in a national camp without Bhai for the past seven years,” said the striker.”
“But it is going to happen. I spoke to him a few days ago. I have been with players of the stature of I.M. Vijayan and Bhai (Bhutia) but one day all will have to go. Sunil Chhetri will also go after some years.”
Chhetri was all praise for the Indian football legends, Bhutia among them, who gave their whole life and valuable and unmatchable contribution towards Indian football. Chhetri also insisted that it would be a tough task ahead for the youngsters coming into the teams to fill in the shoes of legends like Vijayan, Bhutia etc.
Chhetri said “What matters is how much contribution one has made to Indian football. I think Bhai has done a lot for Indian football. It will be tough for the youngsters in the camp to fill in the shoes of him, or for that matter the other senior players who are not here.”
Talking about India’s preparation going into the World Cup Qualifiers against UAE, the striker believes that his side will surely do well. India is set to take on UAE in Dubai on 23rd of July, followed by a home encounter in Delhi.
Chhetri said “We have a mix of experienced and young players. Many of us have done well in the I-League and I am hoping that we will do well against UAE. We had lost 0-5 to them last year before the Asian Cup but this time we are hoping to do better.”
The 26 year old striker also insisted about the healthy competition for getting a chance to feature in the team for each and every position. Chhetri added “I am not being modest but I don’t think that me and Jeje Lalpekhlua are certain to get the two slots.”
“There are other very good strikers, including Sushil Singh, Joaquim Abranches, Anil Kumar. It’s really good that we have six-seven strikers in the camp and only two or three play finally.”
Apart from all this, the striker also spoke about the reports linking him with a trail with the Portuguese Giants, Benfica and also stated that he desires to play abroad.
Chhetri further added “I heard about reports that I am set to give a trial at Benfica. I want to play abroad but I will see. I will have this camp and then the World Cup qualifiers. I will try for foreign clubs after that.”
“All over the world club season begins in August and I will keep myself fit to try for clubs abroad.”
It is a good sign to see players of Chhetri’s calibure are grooming in India and abroad and hopefully the Indian fans will experience more of Indians playing for some big clubs in the near future. Who knows we might see an Indian playing for Manchester United or Real Madrid?
Tags: Bhaichung Bhutia, Football, Indian Football, Striker, Sunil Chhetri, UAE, World Cup Qualifiers
