Big brother, wonderful human being, the GOAT: Chhetri an inspiration to teammates

BHUBANESWAR: As the Indian senior men’s team gathered in the Kalinga Stadium gym for their session on Thursday morning, there was a hush in the room. Less than an hour ago, Sunil Chhetri posted a heart-touching 10-minute video announcing his retirement from national colours. Head coach Igor Stimac stood beside him, gathered everyone in a semi-circle, and gave a brief speech for the captain and the boys. This was the start of Sunil Chhetri’s last-ever national team camp — 19 years after his first.

“He knows best how he feels and when it’s the appropriate time to do things. I just wish we all do everything to make 6th June very memorable for him and all Indian football fans,” Stimac told AIFF.

“He became a legend while still playing and that’s something only a few can do. He’s an inspiration to everyone, absolutely committed to the Indian jersey which is something these youngsters need to follow. Playing for the country with passion and love, and as he said with ‘intense joy’, Stimac added.

Having taken over the Indian national team in May 2019, the Croatian has completed five years together with Chhetri. It’s not just a typical player-coach relationship, but one that extends way beyond the football pitch too. You get the sense of it with the way Stimac speaks about him and addresses him.

“⁠I had the pleasure of coaching such a wonderful human being and getting to know his beautiful family,” he said. “We were more than simply a coach and a player and I am very proud of the relationship we have amongst us and the group. I am very confident that whatever he decides to do after football will have an immense impact on society in a very positive way. He was born to become a GOAT.”

Lifting weights right next to Chhetri in the gymnasium was Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. For both club and country, the goalkeeper has spent the most time together on the pitch with Chhetri in his career. They might play on opposite ends of the pitch, and on the very rarest of occasions exchange passes during a match, the chemistry has always been there.

“I am fortunate if I can claim that I spent the most amount of time in his international footballing career alongside him. I was lucky I got a senior, a big brother and a mentor like him through whom I learnt so much not just about football but life in general,” said Gurpreet.

Besides being a teammate and a brother, he is also a fan of the legend after all. When he first learned about Chhetri’s decision, he didn’t want to believe it.

“I was a little mad about why he’s doing this, it’s still too early,” revealed Gurpreet. “Maybe it’s my inner fear of not seeing him around the team when he leaves. I still think he can go on and on. But I support him no matter what.”

The journey will end on June 6, but there are plenty of memories to cherish. It’s tough for Gurpreet to single out, but he tried. “I think every single goal that I have seen him score while I was on the pitch has been the most memorable moment of my playing time with him. The goal against Kyrgyzstan at the Kanteerava (Asian Cup Qualifiers in 2017), the chip against Kenya (Intercontinental Cup in 2018) and countless others. I think the banter that we have when he’s practising finishing against the goalkeepers during training is something I will miss a lot,” Gurpreet shared.

Memories will always stay, and perhaps the most special memory is yet to come in three weeks’ time.

“It’s not difficult, it’s impossible to replace a legend like him in the dressing room, but we have to face the reality. I also hope Sunil bhai finds the mental and physical peace he deserves after serving the nation for almost two decades.

“My message to him would be, ‘Bhai abhi bhi waqt hai, video delete kar do aur bol do, just joking. I am still around’. (Brother, there’s still time. Delete the video and say that I was joking.),” laughed Gurpreet.

Also Read: A beautiful dream will come to an end on June 6, says Sunil Chhetri

Also Read: RFDL is the ultimate scouting platform – Thangboi Singto, Hyderabad FC Head Coach

Follow us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign

Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…

Share

India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season

The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…

Share

Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season

Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…

Share

VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season

Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…

Share

MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season

With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…

Share

Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents

Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…

Share

Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season

Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…

Share

Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players

Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.

Share

SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players

SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here

India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…

Share