Sunil Chhetri was born to become a GOAT, became legend while still playing: Igor Stimac

India’s football head coach Igor Stimac showered praise on Sunil Chhetri after the veteran announced his retirement on Thursday. Chhetri has been a huge servant of Indian football for almost two decades and Stimac has observed the talisman from close quarters.

Chhetri always took giant strides in his career and Stimac has played a key role in the footballer’s growth. The linchpin scored 94 goals in 150 matches for the Blue Tigers and he will play his final game for the national team against Kuwait on June 6th.

“He knows best how he feels and when it’s the appropriate time to do things. I just wish we all do everything to make June 6 very memorable for him and all Indian football fans,” Stimac told the-aiff.com.

“He became a legend while still playing and that’s something only a few can do. He’s an inspiration to everyone, absolutely committed to the Indian jersey which is something these youngsters need to follow. Playing for the country with passion and love, and as he said with ‘intense joy’,” Stimac added.

The Croatian is optimistic that Chhetri will do well in the second chapter of his career. 

“I had the pleasure of coaching such a wonderful human being and getting to know his beautiful family,” he said.

“We were more than simply a coach and a player and I am very proud of the relationship we have amongst us and the group. I am very confident that whatever he decides to do after football will have an immense impact on society in a very positive way. He was born to become a GOAT.”

On the other hand, India’s veteran goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu feels fortunate to spend so much time with Chhetri in his career and learn from him along the way. Sandhu and Chhetri also play for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League.

“I am fortunate if I can claim that I spent the most amount of time in his international footballing career alongside him. I was lucky I got a senior, a big brother and a mentor like him through whom I learnt so much not just about football but life in general,” said Gurpreet.