CHENNAI: As the senior Indian men’s football team head into a period where three-World Cup playing nations including Brazil are part of the menu, Sunil Chhetri – who has etched his name in the history books of Indian football by constantly being on the top list of international goal scorers – expressed excitement about the opportunity while admitting that he feels “a little jealous” watching from the sidelines. Reflecting on the opportunities available to the current squad, Sunil Chhetri said he could not help but feel a sense of envy as a spectator. “I feel a little jealous as a spectator,” Chhetri said in a AIFF release.
“In my 24–26 years as a professional and nearly 20 years with the national team, I never got an opportunity like this.” With India set to face the prospect of competing alongside other teams like Uruguay, the 42-year-old former India forward expressed hope that the players remain fit, compete with determination and make the most of the opportunity.
Chhetri also responded with humour when asked about the possibility of returning to action. “I just trained for 20 minutes. I’m around 42 now, I can barely run properly and I’m struggling,” he joked. Despite watching the team from outside the dressing room, Chhetri expressed complete faith in the current generation, highlighting the depth of young talent within the squad. “This is their time. There are so many talented youngsters in the team. Everyone gets their opportunity; just like I got mine 20 years ago,” he added.