Sunil Chhetri on the Must-Win Match vs. Kuwait: “Not About Me And My Last Game”
After a fantastic 19-year career, Sunil Chhetri declared last month that the second leg match against Kuwait will be his final one in international football.
The star player for the Indian football team, Sunil Chhetri, downplayed the excitement surrounding his most recent international game on Wednesday in an attempt to refocus attention on the squad’s vital FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kuwait.
If the Indian team wins on Thursday, it will virtually ensure them a spot in the FIFA World Cup’s third round, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. After a fantastic 19-year career, Chhetri declared last month that the second leg match against Kuwait will be his final one in international football.
It’s not about me or my previous game. I don’t want to bring it up repeatedly. We have a strong desire to win this match. Though it won’t be simple, we’re prepared. On the day of the second-round match, Chhetri declared, “We will have tremendous support.”
The 39-year-old legendary striker continued, “If we win tomorrow, we will almost qualify. I have already planned out my immediate plans after walking into the international sunset.” I plan to wear a great suit and watch the match wherever the team travels for the next five top games, both home and away.
“I keep reminding the boys about this dream when I speak with them every day. The lengthier camp is beneficial since our mentalities are different.
You have a lot more time to work on the specifics now. It doesn’t change your life, but it does make you more meticulous.” As he got closer to 40, Chhetri was still asked if he intended to change his mind, to which he gave a negative response.
“No, sir. The suits are made, and I’m heading to the boys’ game. I’ve given it a lot of thought. I had an amazing journey over these 19 years. Wherever the squad travels, I’ll be there as a supporter and cheer them on.”
The match against Kuwait is very important since India is coming off a devastating 1-2 defeat at home to lower-ranked Afghanistan in a home-and-away match in Guwahati in March—a result that was widely condemned by Indian football supporters and detractors.
“We need to take care of these players, they don’t have their best striker,” Indian head coach Igor Stimac responded when asked about their opponents. Additionally, Sandesh (Jhingan) is not with us. Their most recent performance against Qatar impressed me; they improved.
“However, I’m completely satisfied with how our planning has gone. It’s only a football game, so let’s have fun. God is always in control of the outcome.”
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