Mumbai: Skipper of the Indian football team, Sunil Chhetri recalled Sunday his first international match when excitement got the better of him and he ended up running in the direction of Pakistan fans to celebrate his goal. The Intercontinental Cup game Monday against Kenya will be Chhetri’s 100th in international football.
“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,” Chhetri told reporters here and the room broke into laughter.
Chhetri stated that he had dreams, but never had thought about donning the Indian jersey leave aside playing 100 games.
“This (100 matches) is unbelievable,” Chhetri stated while having a look of incredulity on his face. “Did I think then that I am going to play 100 games, no. Did I ever think, I am going to play for my country, no. It is something which is beyond my dream and I cannot tell you how happy and honoured I am. Only second player in the history of the country to play 100 games, it’s unbelievable,” Chhetri told reporters.
Stats are something you should not take seriously. I have always had that attitude. For me it is important to win games for the country”
Sunil Chhetri
The Indian captain also stated that initially he was not ready to give much importance to the milestone he is about to achieve Monday. However, after talking to his mother, he understood the importance of what he is about to do.
“I was talking to mum this (Sunday) morning and she got emotional. It is big for her actually and it made me realise what I have done. Actually it (playing 100 games) did not really hold any significance for me.
I never said that with arrogance, I always thought winning games for India is more important than my achievements. That is the way, I have looked at my career,” added Chhetri.
Chhetri asserted that even now his goal is taking India ahead. “Forget rankings, I don’t take it seriously for the way it works. The team’s goal is now to do well in away matches. It is one area we are taking very seriously. And now that we are under 100 in rankings, it is important we maintain it,” added Chhetri.
Support from Kohli
New Delhi: Throwing his weight behind Sunil Chhetri, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli urged the fans Sunday to throng stadiums and watch the team play. Chhetri had requested the Indian sports fans through a video uploaded on his Twitter handle to come and watch the team in action. “My good friend and Indian football captain posted (video) sometime back. I want to request everyone to watch Indian football team play. Anyone who loves any kind of sport, go and cheer the team. They are a talented side.”
