Charismatic Indian team footballer Sunil Chhetri expressed the hope that he will continue to play and score for the country in the near future after equaling Brazil’s Pele in terms of the number of goals scored at the international level.
The 37-year-old Chhetri played a key role in India’s 1-0 win against Nepal in the 83rd minute of the SAFF Championship. This is the team’s first win in three matches in the tournament to remain in the competition. This is Chhetri’s 77th international goal, which equaled Pele.
Chhetri said, “I keep getting asked about my consistency, I wish I had an answer. But the truth is that I have not prepared any blueprint. It’s about giving my best every single day and I’m thankful that hasn’t let up. Haven’t thought much and will continue to play at the top level.”
The Indian football team captain continued, “Maybe you may find my words a lie but I have never thought about my future as a football player. I have said before that I like to wake up in the morning, practice, and play. I thoroughly enjoy it and never want to stop it.”
With this goal, Chhetri, who has played 123 matches for India, is joint third with Ali Mabkhout of UAE among active football players – Cristiano Ronaldo (112) and Lionel Messi (79) having more goals than him.
Bengaluru FC forward added, “On a personal level, I am not a big fan of statistics and achievements. But don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for everything I have achieved. For me though, there is nothing bigger than winning for the team, be it for the country or the club.”
