Sunil Chhetri’s power to pull fans to stadiums is a confirmed fact.
He does this match after match with efforts on the pitch sparking off waves of celebrations, like at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Intercontinental Cup.
Goals from open play and free-kicks, setting up scoring opportunities for teammates with instinctive passing makes him a man to watch.
The captain’s armband suits him because of his desire to lead by example. Chhetri’s career moves so far, in India and foreign lands, have enhanced his stature among teammates and acceptance from seniors like Bhaichung Bhutia and I.M. Vijayan.
Teammates and coaches in India listen to him because of experience accumulated, representing clubs in different parts of the country and adjusting to different football cultures.
The Delhi-born striker has donned the jerseys of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, United SC (Bengal), Jagatjit Cotton Textiles (Punjab), Dempo SC, Churchill Brothers (Goa) and is now the pride of Bengaluru FC.
From 2005 to 2018, the 33-year-old’s bigger push for Indian football happened.
Playing abroad
Chhetri knocked on football doors in the United States (Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer (2010-2011), Portugal (Sporting Lisbon-B in Second Division, 2012-2013).
Pursuit of a dream to play in Europe took him to England (Queens Park Rangers, three-year contract, 2009) but the Indian was denied a work permit by the British government because only professionals from nations ranked in the first 70 on the FIFA list were allowed. India’s ranking was 163 then.
Having left Dempo in 2010 to play in the MLS, he returned a year later to join United SC.
Chhetri returned to India after struggling to obtain first-team place in Portugal, joining Churchill Brothers and later Bengaluru FC. Leadership skills were always in place despite the disappointments in Europe.
BFC foreign coaches Ashley Westwood (England), Albert Roca (Spain) brought out the best in him, as does Stephen Constantine with Team India.
Chhetri inspired and guided BFC to the I-League title (under Westwood), played the AFC Cup final 2016 and Indian Super League final 2017 (under Roca). For followers, teammates and seniors, the captain’s value to Indian football goes beyond the goals.