By Shoubhik Mukhopadhyay,
AIFF Media Team
DOHA: Sunil Chhetri, the striker to don the Indian National jersey 91 times, sounded akin to the flag-bearer of Indian Football ahead of the AFC Cup Final against Air Force Club in Doha on November 5, 2016.
The talismanic striker, who netted 51 goals in the national colour, mentioned that ‘Bengaluru FC will ignite the hope amongst other Indian clubs to break the barrier.’
He continued, “Even if we lose the game, I feel the hope won’t be dried up. We have shown what we are capable of and definitely every Indian club will work on their shortcomings to emulate us. The hope will bubble up throughout the nation.” He added more, “We’re a nation of 1.3 billion strong populations. Other clubs will draw the motivation and we might see another Indian club at this stage in near future again.”
The exuberant ball-player, who was inundated with praise by coach Roca after his mastery against the defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim, stated ‘this match is right up there at the top of the pyramid’ for him and the entire team.
“I’ve played many a crucial match in my entire career, but it stays at the top of the pyramid. It’s not only a significant football match for only me and my club but for the entire nation and it’s coming at the right time.”
On the context of praising the ‘team-game’ of Bengaluru FC, he rightly pointed out, “See, right from Mr.Sajjan Jindal, our coach, to our ball boys everyone is truly passionate about the job and we all are part of an extended family.”
He continued, “Other might feel aghast of our achievements within three years, but believe me, we are extremely lucky to work under two great coaches within a span of only three years, and today the result is here. We can’t predict the future, but it might instigate a new chapter of Indian Football right here in Doha.”
Meanwhile, Sunil Chhetri was part of the Indian National Team who played the AFC Asian Cup 2011 in the same city.
When he was asked whether the younger players are looking up to him, the perfect team-man exuded ‘there is enough to draw motivation from.’
“I’m not a person to speak much. Gaffer is here to speak and we try to execute the plan on the pitch. As I’ve already said, JSW Bengaluru FC is a happy cohesive family and we complement each other.”
(Picture Courtesy: JSW Bengaluru FC Media)
