Chhetri cried while playing in Kolkata league, contemplated quitting
4 years, 8 months ago

Chhetri cried while playing in Kolkata league, contemplated quitting

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: One of India's greatest footballers, Sunil Chhetri reveals he was under so much pressure while playing in Kolkata early in his career that he cried many times and even contemplated quitting the sport. Chhetri, who made his international debut in 2005 in a match against Pakistan, said he was also lucky to have the likes of Bhutia and Renedy Singh, who shielded him from unnecessary pressure during his early days in the national team. People like Bhaichung, Mahesh Gawli, Deepak Mondal, Renedy Singh, Samir Naik, Surkumar Singh, Climax Lawrence were in the national team back then and they were brilliant. "Since the first time when I played against Pakistan in Pakistan on my debut to now, everyone in the team wants me to score."

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History of this topic

No wins, no Sunil Chhetri, what’s next? A team in the doldrums for Indian football
1 month ago

No wins, no Sunil Chhetri, what’s next? A team in the doldrums for Indian football

The Hindu  

At times, the lows in sports are so low that they evoke pity rather than optimism. With India having no wins and also losing the Intercontinental Cup crown this calendar year, along with facing a future without its record goalscorer Sunil Chhetri, the football scene in the country has never been grimmer. The final act of this dismal saga unfolded …

A tale of contrasts between East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and the tightrope of football journalism in India
2 months ago

A tale of contrasts between East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and the tightrope of football journalism in India

The Hindu  

The fans of Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC have different reasons to celebrate their teams’ successes this time. While East Bengal showed great form in reaching the quarterfinals of the AFC Challenge League, Mohun Bagan narrowly avoided heavy sanctions for refusing to play its AFC Champions League Two match against Tractor FC of Iran. Clear intentions: Having …

Post retirement from India duty, Sunil Chhetri looks to restore lost glory of Bengaluru FC
6 months ago

Post retirement from India duty, Sunil Chhetri looks to restore lost glory of Bengaluru FC

The Hindu  

Having retired from international football, Sunil Chhetri’s focus now turns to representing his club, Bengaluru FC. Chhetri’s status as fan favourite remains undiminished, as he received the loudest cheers in the club’s open training session at Bangalore Football Stadium here on Sunday. Chhetri was happy that his good friend Virat Kohli and the Indian cricket team fulfilled a dream by …

The joy and the sadness of Chhetri
7 months ago

The joy and the sadness of Chhetri

Hindustan Times  

Just a few days ago, on June 6, the 39-year-old Sunil Chhetri played his last match for India. He retired as India’s highest goal scorer, most capped player and for a team that often struggled to score, he was the inspiration, the creator and the finisher all in one. As he stepped out to play for India one last time, …

Chhetri’s relentless pursuit to elevate India’s standard
7 months ago

Chhetri’s relentless pursuit to elevate India’s standard

The Hindu  

The onset of old age often marks the beginning of an existential crisis. Sunil Chhetri’s time in international football, which ended on Thursday with the 0-0 draw against Kuwait in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification game, will go down as one of the few that militated against this accepted idea. He was the captain for a dozen years, carrying …

Sunil Chhetri Gets Guard Of Honour From India Teammates In Farewell Match; Parents, Wife, Break Down In Tears
7 months ago

Sunil Chhetri Gets Guard Of Honour From India Teammates In Farewell Match; Parents, Wife, Break Down In Tears

ABP News  

It was an emotional evening at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata as Sunil Chhetri-led Team India took on Kuwait in Kolkata on Thursday with the match being the Indian captain's final outing in Indian colours. Although it wasn't the result that India wanted with the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers ending in a goalless draw and even Chhetri failing …

Chhetri bids an emotional goodbye
7 months ago

Chhetri bids an emotional goodbye

The Hindu  

Thanks Captain, Leader, Legend was the message unfurled on the stands right behind one of the goals at the Salt Lake Stadium here as thousands of fans wildly cheered the most successful footballer of the country, Sunil Chhetri. Owning an unparalleled record of playing 151 matches and scoring 94 goals, thousands had gathered to see Chhetri finish his last match. …

What makes Sunil Chhetri an exception in Indian football?
7 months ago

What makes Sunil Chhetri an exception in Indian football?

Firstpost  

As India captain Sunil Chhetri prepares to bid adieu to international football after a memorable 19-year career, we take a look at the secrets to his success. The end of India’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait will also bring curtains down on Sunil Chhetri’s 19-year-old international career. Even if the Blue Tigers fail to achieve ‘Mission 3rd Round’ …

FIFA World Cup: All about Sunil Chhetri who is set to retire after qualifier match against Kuwait today
7 months ago

FIFA World Cup: All about Sunil Chhetri who is set to retire after qualifier match against Kuwait today

Live Mint  

Indian legend Sunil Chhetri is set to bid farewell to international football after the FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Kuwait today i.e. Ahead of today's match, Real Madrid's midfielder Luka Modric has also sent a special message for Sunil Chhetri. In a post shared by India Senior Football Team coach Igor Stimac, Modric said, “Hi Sunil, I want to …

Sunil Chhetri to retire after World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on June 6
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Sunil Chhetri to retire after World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on June 6

The Hindu  

Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri on Thursday announced his decision to retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6, bringing the curtains down on a glorious two-decade career. pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV — Sunil Chhetri May 16, 2024 India are currently second in Group A with four points, behind leaders Qatar. "The match …

Football legend Sunil Chhetri announces retirement, WC qualifier on June 6 to be his last game
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Football legend Sunil Chhetri announces retirement, WC qualifier on June 6 to be his last game

New Indian Express  

Chhetri, who made his debut in 2005, has scored 94 goals for the country. On his international debut against Pakistan way back in 2005, Chhetri, who would go on to become one of the game's most lethal strikers, scored, and he rated it as his best moment. So that day, everything that happened, once he told me, from breakfast to …

'He Turned The Little Boy in Me to a Man': Sunil Chhetri Heaps Praise on Legend Sukhwinder Singh
9 months, 2 weeks ago

'He Turned The Little Boy in Me to a Man': Sunil Chhetri Heaps Praise on Legend Sukhwinder Singh

News 18  

Sunil Chhetri did not need anyone to tutor him on what he had to do on a football pitch but the same can’t be said of the talismanic Indian striker when it came to things he was not supposed to do as a player in his early days. That’s where the role of Sukhwinder Singh, the former India player and …

Sunil Chhetri: The epitome of a modern-day footballer
1 year, 5 months ago

Sunil Chhetri: The epitome of a modern-day footballer

The Hindu  

Nothing corrodes peak athletic performance quite like time. Big numbers by Sunil Chhetri 92 international goals — Highest for India, third-highest active goalscorer in the world after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Only the fourth Indian to score a hat-trick against Pakistan, the other three being Puran Bahadur Thapa, IM Vijayan, and Jeje Lalpekhlua 142 international matches — The most …

We want him to take rest but…India’s assistant coach drops massive remark on Sunil Chhetri
1 year, 6 months ago

We want him to take rest but…India’s assistant coach drops massive remark on Sunil Chhetri

Hindustan Times  

Sunil Chhetri has gotten off to a blinder of a start at the SAFF Championships in Bangalore, having already scored 4 goals in India’s 2 games, including a hat-trick against Pakistan. Indian team captain Sunil Chhetri acknowledges the crowd after winning a football match against Nepal He scored again in India’s match against Nepal, the first as the hosts beat …

Chhetri, self-effacing as ever, prefers to focus on the collective
1 year, 6 months ago

Chhetri, self-effacing as ever, prefers to focus on the collective

The Hindu  

Sportspersons are great lovers of symmetry. They crave records that give a sense of completeness and have rhythmic allure — like Novak Djokovic winning all three Majors at least thrice and Usain Bolt‘s ‘three-peat’ of the 100m and 200m Olympic golds. Nearly two decades down the line, he was still haunting Pakistan, scoring his fourth career international hat-trick to move …

'Fans Staring at me Angrily..': Sunil Chhetri Recalls Debut Goal vs Pakistan Ahead of SAFF Championship Showdown
1 year, 6 months ago

'Fans Staring at me Angrily..': Sunil Chhetri Recalls Debut Goal vs Pakistan Ahead of SAFF Championship Showdown

News 18  

Ahead of the SAFF Championship 2023 opener between India and Pakistan, captain of the Indian football team Sunil Chhetri recalled his debut which came against Pakistan in 2005. Ahead of the showdown between the two neighbouring nations, Chhetri recalled his debut goal and the reception he received from the Pakistan crowd as India had travelled across the border for a …

Mohun Bagan Veterans Recollect Memories of Playing Against Pele in Kolkata in 1977
2 years ago

Mohun Bagan Veterans Recollect Memories of Playing Against Pele in Kolkata in 1977

News 18  

The year 1977 is memorable for various people for various reasons. The year 1977 was memorable for football fans in Kolkata and a team from the iconic Mohun Bagan club as they saw football royalty in person as the legendary Pele, the three-time World Cup winner, visited the City of Joy for an exhibition match. Pele visited Calcutta as part …

AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Football Fans in Kolkata Will Never Fail You, Says Sunil Chhetri
2 years, 7 months ago

AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Football Fans in Kolkata Will Never Fail You, Says Sunil Chhetri

News 18  

National Team skipper Sunil Chhetri says he always feels at home while in Kolkata.As the countdown for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers begin, Sunil opens up about his fondest memories of Kolkata, the fans in the ‘City of Joy,’ India’s preparation, the current crop of Liston, Manvir, and others, and much more. I have always maintained that you may have …

Sunil Chhetri credits youngsters in Indian team for SAFF C'ship triumph
3 years, 2 months ago

Sunil Chhetri credits youngsters in Indian team for SAFF C'ship triumph

India TV News  

Talismanic skipper Sunil Chhetri played a pivotal role in India's eighth SAFF Championships title triumph by striking five goals but he credited the young brigade for team's victory. The 37-year-old Chhetri, Indian football's torchbearer for the last 10 years, went past legendary Pele and equaled Lionel Messi when he scored the team's opener -- and his 80th goal -- against …

Chhetri credits youngsters in Indian team for SAFF C'ships triumph
3 years, 2 months ago

Chhetri credits youngsters in Indian team for SAFF C'ships triumph

The Hindu  

Talismanic skipper Sunil Chhetri played a pivotal role in India's eighth SAFF Championships title triumph by striking five goals but he credited the young brigade for the team's victory. The 37-year-old Chhetri, Indian football's torchbearer for the last 10 years, went past legendary Pele and equalled Lionel Messi when he scored the team's opener -- and his 80th goal -- …

ATK Mohun Bagan beat Bengaluru FC 2-0 in AFC Cup group match
3 years, 4 months ago

ATK Mohun Bagan beat Bengaluru FC 2-0 in AFC Cup group match

Deccan Chronicle  

Male : ATK Mohun Bagan began their AFC Cup campaign in style with an easy 2-0 win over another Indian club Bengaluru FC in a Group D match here on Wednesday. Captain Roy Krishna struck in the 39th minute before Subhasish Bose added another goal in the 46th minute to give the Kolkata based side a head start in the …

FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers: If you give a chance to Chhetri, he will take that, concedes Bangladesh coach
3 years, 7 months ago

FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers: If you give a chance to Chhetri, he will take that, concedes Bangladesh coach

Firstpost  

Doha: Talismanic Sunil Chhetri won’t miss if you give him the opportunity to score, says Bangladesh coach Jamie Day after the Indian captain led his side to a 2-0 win in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup. The 36-year-old Chhetri scored a second-half brace against Bangladesh to hand India their first win in the joint preliminary …

Sunil Chhetri motivated enough to keep going: Stimac
4 years, 6 months ago

Sunil Chhetri motivated enough to keep going: Stimac

The Hindu  

Indian football head coach Igor Stimac feels that talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri is motivated enough to keep going and remains “very valuable” for guiding the national team youngsters. Asked if Chhetri can play for another three-four years, Stimac told PTI: “He is motivated enough to keep going and very valuable to our youngsters with his attitude, professionalism and a positive …

Sunil Chhetri is the Character Who Defines Indian Men's Football Team: Coach Igor Stimac
4 years, 6 months ago

Sunil Chhetri is the Character Who Defines Indian Men's Football Team: Coach Igor Stimac

News 18  

National team head coach Igor Stimac on Sunday hailed Sunil Chhetri, saying the talismanic captain was one of those who "glorified" Indian football with his dedication in the 15 years of his illustrious career. "Dedicated, workaholic and team man -- those are some of the attributes which define Sunil Chhetri," he said in a release issued by the All India …

Sunil Chhetri on Retirement: Enjoying My Football, Not Going Away Anytime Soon
4 years, 6 months ago

Sunil Chhetri on Retirement: Enjoying My Football, Not Going Away Anytime Soon

News 18  

Sunil Chhetri has been the leading man of the revolution in Indian football. "I am enjoying my football and am not going away anytime soon," said Sunil Chhetri, indicating that he will keep on playing for another three to four years. The 35-year-old Sunil Chhetri, who holds the national record of most international matches and most number of goals, made …

Sunil Chhetri 'Can Play 6-7 Years' More: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu On ISL Instagram Live
4 years, 7 months ago

Sunil Chhetri 'Can Play 6-7 Years' More: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu On ISL Instagram Live

News 18  

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu feels Sunil Chhetri will keep playing till te age of 41, as his Bengaluru FC teammate is 'getting younger day by day'. Sunil Chhetri, who is 35-years-old, will complete 15 years in international football on June 12, went on to become India's highest goal-scorer with 72 strikes from 115 matches. Chhetri is now the second highest goal-scorer …

When Sporting Lisbon waived the release clause' and let go of Sunil Chhetri
4 years, 8 months ago

When Sporting Lisbon waived the release clause' and let go of Sunil Chhetri

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: India’s celebrated footballer Sunil Chhetri came a cropper when he explored leagues abroad, but to his credit he realized quite early that he was not fit to play in those competitive leagues and caught the return flight home. Then India head coach Bob Houghton called Chhetri to join the national team for the 2011 Asian Cup in Doha. …

I-League 2019-20: Mohun Bagan beat debutants TRAU FC 3-1 for seventh win on the trot
4 years, 10 months ago

I-League 2019-20: Mohun Bagan beat debutants TRAU FC 3-1 for seventh win on the trot

Firstpost  

This was Mohun Bagan’s seventh win on the trot and extended their unbeaten run to 12 games Imphal: Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan inched closer to a second Hero I-League title with a convincing 3-1 win over debutants Tiddim Road Athletic Union FC on Sunday. This was Mohun Bagan’s seventh win on the trot and extended their unbeaten run to 12 …

Stimac: India will play 10 friendlies in Europe next year
5 years, 1 month ago

Stimac: India will play 10 friendlies in Europe next year

The Hindu  

Describing Sunil Chhetri as ‘once-in-a-decade’ player, Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac on Friday said he does not see any one replacing the talismanic captain in the next five years. It has to be a team effort.” Talking about 35-year-old Chhetri’s influence in the team, Stimac said, “His influence is amazing, but he is a guy who never crosses …

Indian Football: Sunil Chhetri on the cusp of being India's most capped player
5 years, 7 months ago

Indian Football: Sunil Chhetri on the cusp of being India's most capped player

The Hindu  

Sunil Chhetri is just a match away from being the most-capped Indian international. “I think the knowledge and discipline is the highest in my life right now, in terms of taking risk, in terms of having the right food, and in terms of training, and that’s probably why I am this fit,” said Chhetri on Saturday during a media interaction …

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