New Delhi: Indian football team is now on cloud nine as they defeated Kuwait in the final of South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) in penalty shoot-out. The Blue Tiger clinched SAFF title for ninth time, and Indian captain Sunil Chhetri led from the front.
Chhetri can beat Ronaldo, Messi for India
Sunil Chhetri played the key role in the triumph, is now in the limelight. The 38-year-old striker made a bold statement. He said he can event beat the like of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, when it comes to his country, India.
Sunil Chhetri said, “When it comes to giving my best for the country, I can beat Messi and Ronaldo.”
When he was asked regarding his age, Chhetri said he is feeling good now. He said the day he will not feel good, he will stop playing for India.
Sunil said, “I am feeling very good right now, and I am motivated to do good for the country. The day I don’t feel like it, I will leave. But I do not know when this will happen.”
Responding on his SAFF triumph, Chhetri called it ‘special’ before stating the 2024 Asian Cup will be very important as India set their eyes on getting to the group stages. “This SAFF Championship was special. Because we had Lebanon and Kuwait and we still won.
India now focus on Asia Games
“The Asian Cup will be so important for us and we are all desperate to get to group stages,” the 38-year-old stated.
With age quickly catching up, there has been several talks in the air regarding Chhetri’s retirement. Chhetri, who was born in Secunderabad, didn’t put a fixed timeline but said he will only hang up his boots when the fire inside blows out.
Sunil Chhetri career
Indian Football captain Sunil Chhetri has played 142 international matches so far, in which he scored 93 goals till now. Chhetri is on the third rank behind the modern era greats, Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina world champion captain Lionel Messi.
Although Chhetri is at number four in the list of all-time goal scorers. Iran’s Ali is at number three with 109 goals. In this list, Ronaldo is at number one with 123 goals and Messi is at number two with 103 goals.
