Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri was about to sign a deal with Goa-based club Churchill Brothers in 2013, but a ‘voice of conscience’ inspired him to become a part of Bengaluru FC (BFC). Chhetri has won eight trophies in the last eight years with this team. The 36-year-old said that he was tempted to play in the AFC Cup and was advised by his family and friends to join Churchill, but he ultimately decided not to join the Goa-based club.
Churchill Brothers won the I-League title in 2012–13 and participated in the AFC Cup, the continent’s second-tier club competition. Chhetri said, “Everyone suggested me to join Churchill Brothers (2013). It was an I-League champion and a big team and was going to play in the AFC Cup. On the other hand, there was a new club (Bengaluru FC) and no one knew who would join the team. For me, it was like a risk that I decided to take.”
Sunil Chhetri, an Indian football player has extended his contract with Bengaluru FC for another two years and will be with the Indian Super League team till 2023. Bengaluru FC has won eight trophies since 2013, including two I-League titles (2013–14 and 2015-16), an Indian Super League Championship (2018–19), and became runner-up in 2015-16 AFC Cup.
Chhetri, who is ranked third among active players for most goals scored in international football, said, “I haven’t spent much time in a club, even in clubs where I had a great rapport and time. Three years at Mohun Bagan and three years at JCT were excellent. But there is no guarantee that you will stay in a club for a long time.
He added, “Maybe there is a possibility of me leaving here and people are also interested in me, so obviously there were talks about it. If all goes well, I will be here.” Chhetri emphasized that the club and the city are like home to him. He has scored 101 goals in 203 club-level matches.
