Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri may not have been lucky enough to lead his national team in the FIFA World Cup, but he undoubtedly decorated his captaincy career with wherever he had the chance. Apart from his mastermind, the 38-year-old leads the team from the front and his individual stats are proof of that. Chhetri sits alongside legends of the game, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, in the list of highest goal scorers of all time in international football.
Portugal superstar Ronaldo tops the list, with Iran great Ali Daei coming in second, followed by 2022 World Cup winner Lionel Messi. India’s talisman Chhetri is currently placed fourth. Meanwhile, during a conversation with Hindustan Times, the star forward said that he can be even better than global superstars when it comes to giving their best for the national team.
“There’s no comparison with the rest of the nine names on the list. I mean, I am a fan of players like Ronaldo and Messi, just like so many other fans of them. There’s just no comparison, and I don’t take this list, or whatever this list is, too seriously. But, yes, when it comes to representing the national team, I can be even better than them,” he said.
I can sense the atmosphere is changing: Chhetri on increasing support from Indian fans
It has not been more than a week since the Indian football team was crowned the winners of the SAFF Championship 2023. Chhetri and Co. won their record ninth title by defeating Kuwait on penalties in Bengaluru. There have been instances in the past where the former Indian skipper has appealed fans to watch and support India playing. However, his plea was well received by the Indians, which was very evident in the summit clash, and Chhetri now acknowledges the support and love the Blue Tigers received.
“It has been great, the support, right from day 1 (of the tournament). On the pitch, the way fans were and encouraged us throughout the game was something special and something magical. There was never a problem with the match-going fans, but yes, there has been an increase in the number of people who have started talking about football, and I think that’s a really good thing. I can sense the atmosphere is changing,” he said.
