Bengaluru FC midfielder Javi Hernandez has stated that Sunil Chhetri is always hungry for more success. Chhetri, 38, is still going strong in his professional career and he has shown that there is still some fuel left in his tank.
Chhetri recently took Bengaluru FC to the ISL 2022-23 final but the Blues could not cross the final hurdle against ATK Mohun Bagan. Simon Grayson’s men then also qualified for the Hero Super Cup final but once again lost to Odisha FC by 2-1 in the summit clash.
The veteran scored five goals in 21 matches of the ISL 2022-23 season for Bengaluru FC. It is well known that Chhetri still has a lot of hunger to prove his mettle at the top level.
The veteran has scored 85 goals in 133 official international appearances since his debut on 12 June 2005 against Pakistan and he is only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the third-highest goal-scorer in International football among active players.
Meanwhile, Hernandez has observed Sunil Chhetri’s work ethic from close quarters while playing with him at Bengaluru FC.
”About Sunil, everyone knows. He is the best Indian player ever and after playing with him last season, I realised he is one of those players, who is always hungry for more. He is very competitive during training and he wants to win no matter what. I can only say good words about him”, Javi was quoted as saying in an interview by India.com.
On the other hand, Hernandez contributed seven goals and five assists across 22 games in ISL 2022-23 season and played a key role in taking the Blues to the final of the tournament. The Spaniard is happy with the numbers he has produced in the recent seasons of the ISL.
”Well, I have played four years so far in the (Hero) ISL and in the first few seasons, I couldn’t score or assist that much individually. I played in a more defensive role but in the last two seasons, talking about numbers I am very happy. In the 2021-22 season, my statistics were good but couldn’t reach the playoffs (with Odisha FC). But this season, we played three finals, (I) don’t know whether it has happened before or not in India. It is very competitive here as all the teams are equal and we are quite happy with our team’s performance”, Javi said as he reflected on the season.
The 33-year-old will look to carry the good show in the next season for Bengaluru FC.
