Can sense the atmosphere is changing: Sunil Chhetri on growing interest around Indian football

Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri feels there is a change in the atmosphere and he is noticing a growing interest in Indian football. The Blue Tigers recently won the Hero Tri-nation, Hero Intercontinental Cup, and the SAFF Championship and thus they have ticked the right boxes as a unit.

Chhetri, who has been a centrifugal force in promoting Indian football, feels the team is on the right track. India has won seven out of their last 11 matches and they will look to continue the good show. Furthermore, the national team moved into the top 100 FIFA rankings for the first time in five years.

“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. But at the same time, I know we have jumped up a few ranks, we still have a long way to go. We have to just keep up the good work and stay focused on where we want to reach now,” Chhetri said in an interview with Hindustan Times.

Chhetri added there isn’t any such thing as an underdog in football and any team can beat any side on a given day. The national team will be taking part in back-to-back editions of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in history.

“Right now, international football is such that no one knows what will happen, and underdogs, too, can win! You just never know what is going to happen in football. That’s why we have to give our best, and that’s a message I am trying to send to the rest of the team,” he stated.

India will face potent teams like Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup and Chhetri feels the tournament will be like the World Cup for them.

“The (AFC) Asian Cup is like the World Cup for us. It is right at the very top of our list, and therefore, performing our best there is paramount. I don’t mean to put this pressure on the boys, but we should be qualifying for the (AFC) Asian Cup every time,” said Chhetri.

The talisman has scored 92 goals at the International level and he is only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in terms of goals scored at the top level. Chhetri feels there is no comparison with Ronaldo and Messi but believes he can beat the legendary duo when it comes to 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 signed off.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024