Sunil Chhetri to become first Indian football player in the history to play 100 matches
The captain of the Indian National Football team, Sunil Chhetri will play his 100th international match when India take on Kenya in their second match in the intercontinental cup in Mumbai on Monday. On the brink of making history, the man is still unknown to millions of Indians.
However, after he uploaded a video urging the football fans to come watch them playing in the Stadiums, he made many new football fans who never knew the world of football earlier.
"I had a dream but never dreamt of playing 100 International matches. This is unbelievable," Sunil said before the practice session of their team at the football arena on Sunday in Mumbai.
Sunil has 59 goals in his name and is the all-time highest goalscorer ever who played for India.
"Honestly, I never think much about milestones. It was only when I was having a chat with my mom the other night that she became a bit emotional. How big it was for her made me realise how big the occasion is," he stated.
"I need to thank my parents, friends, family, all my coaches, players, fans, media for their support in my journey in being able to be the second person in history play 100 International matches for my country. It feels special," he added. "I just feel I will be able to keep my emotions under control, play the game as we should, stick to the plan and try to win the game for the country."
Chhetri said that he has witnessed a steady growth in the Indian football since he first wore the blue shirt.
"We are on the right path. There has been a steady growth and we need to go far. Rubbing shoulders with the best will help us improve further," he said.
GOALKEEPERS: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith
DEFENDERS: Pritam Kotal, Anas Edathodika, Salam Ranjan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Lalruatthara, Narayan Das, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Subhasish Bose
MIDFIELDERS: Udanta Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan, Rowllin Borges, Anirudh Thapa, Pronay Halder, Md. Rafique, Halicharan Narzary, Laldanmawia Ralte
FORWARDS: Sunil Chhetri, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Balwant Singh, Alen Deory.
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