Being Sunil Chhetri is not easy – Lallianzuala Chhangte

India’s winger Lallianzuala Chhangte reckons being Sunil Chhetri is not easy. Chhetri always carried the lofty expectations on his shoulders during his 19-year career at the top level. The talisman mostly delivered for the Blue Tigers but the pressure with which he has played throughout his long career is second to none.

Chhetri will perform his swansong in the Indian colors against Kuwait in the World Cup qualifiers on June 6th. Chhetri had a glorious career for the Blue Tigers, scoring 94 goals in 150 International caps.

The veteran is the fourth-highest goal-scorer in the history of International football after Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Al Daei. 

Chhangte shed light on three qualities that he loves about Sunil Chhetri.

In an interview with aiff.com, Chhangte said, “I have huge respect for Sunil bhai because of first – how he looks after himself, secondly – his work ethic, and third – his humility. When I first joined the camp back in 2015, he welcomed me and when I came onto the pitch, he called me and told me this – do your best, enjoy the game, play it simple and do whatever you want. That stayed with me since then.

“Being him is not easy. And I really respect the way he carries the national team,” remarked Chhangte.

The Mumbai City FC player added that the team wants to give a winning farewell to Chhetri as he deserves it.

“Apart from that, with this game, we can honour Chhetri Bhai as well because he deserves to win this. But he can’t do it alone. He can’t score a goal by himself all the time. He can’t give an assist by himself all the time. Someone has to step up. So I hope and I believe that it would be me and my other teammates as well,” Chhangte added.

On the other hand, Chhangte added he has learned a lot after making his debut for the national team.