I had a dream but never dreamt of playing 100 matches: Sunil

“I had a dream but never dreamt of playing 100 International matches. This is unbelievable,” National Team captain Sunil Chhetri said prior to Team India’s practice session at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday.

“Honestly, I never think much about milestones. It was only when I was having a chat with my mom the other night that she became a bit emotional. How big it was for her made me realise how big the occasion is,” he stated.

“I need to thank my parents, friends, family, all my coaches, players, fans, media for their support in my journey in being able to be the second person in history play 100 International matches for my country. It feels special,” he added. “I just feel I will be able to keep my emotions under control, play the game as we should, stick to the plan and try to win the game for the country.”

Chhetri’s is the 2nd Indian after his ‘mentor’ Bhaichung Bhutia to achieve the feat.

Referring to his ‘mentor’ Bhutia’s accolades for Chhetri evolving as a player, the ‘disciple’ said that “as players grow older they start filtering stuff.”

“Once you grow older and you play more, you understand what’s not good for you rather than what works for u. As you grow older you tend to start filtering stuff which is not needed and which is not important for you. That’s what is learnt. So I do the things which work for me. It’s monotonous but I hope it continues,” he informed.

“I still remember my first match for India. We were in Pakistan and Nabi-da (Syed Rahim Nabi) and I were the rookies. We were kind of chilling knowing that we may not be fielded. But Sukhi-sir (Sukhwinder Singh) made both of us to start the game. I scored a goal and all in euphoria I ran to the Pakistani fans and started to celebrate,” he smiled. There was laughter all around in the room.

The Captain admitted there has been a “steady growth” in Indian Football since that first day he wore the National shirt.

“We are on the right path. There has been a steady growth and we need to go far. Rubbing shoulders with the best will help us improve further,” he opined.

India sit pretty at the top of the four-team in the Hero Intercontinental Cup after their facile 5-0 victory over Chinese Taipei in the first match.

“As a player, you are lucky if you get tougher games and the toughest one will be against Kenya tomorrow (June 4, 2018). The matches coming up the next day are always the toughest. The Asian Cup in UAE will also be very tough,” he maintained.

“As a player, I have been in many a tough match. The games against South Korea, Australia and Bahrain in the 2011 Asian Cup were so tough. We played Japan in Bengaluru and that was tough too,” he recollected.

“Sometimes I feel the importance of the match makes it tougher. The matches against Myanmar (away in Yangon) and the home-match against the Kyrgyz Republic were tough on our road to qualification for the UAE Asian Cup.”

Dubbed as the “true leader” of the team, Chhetri said he enjoys the competition against the youngsters in his quest to get fitter and better. “I feel good when I speak with Udanta (Singh) and sprint with him; I feel good when I try to get past Sandesh (Jhingan); I feel good when I try to score against the big wall (Gurpreet Singh Sandhu). All of them are true professionals,” he declared.

“The desire in the present squad makes it special. The camaraderie is great and there is not a single ego clash within. There’s an ardent desire to improve and it's really good to lead this bunch of players,” he stated. “We have the desire and the talent. We need to keep working hard.”

“I always try to be a good example. I have understood that lectures don’t work. If I go up to Udanta and say to him about the importance of being on time, the importance of hitting the gym, maybe he will not take me seriously. Instead, I try to do it for myself so that the boys can follow. That’s so satisfying,” he nodded.

“It gives me immense joy that Jeje (Lalpekhlua) who started in front of my eyes just the other day is now 2 short of 50 International matches. The effort to improve yourself is the hallmark of the squad,” he certified.

Chhetri also mentioned about his love affair with Kolkata. “I feel special about Kolkata. I can’t feel more proud. It was a huge feeling to sign for Mohun Bagan and then play for East Bengal. I cherish the love which I have got from both the clubs.”