Under Sunil Chhetri’s captaincy, Lallianzuala Chhangte made his debut in the SAFF Championship in 2015. He will also be in the last match in the national team jersey of one of the greatest strikers of all time in Indian football against Kuwait at Yuva Bharati on June 6. So Chhangte was a bit emotional.
“We all respect Sunil Bhai,” Chhangte said before the start of practice at the All India Football Federation’s Center of Excellence in New Town on Thursday evening. I will be grateful to him forever. In 2015, I got a chance on the Indian team for the first time. I will never forget the way Sunil Bhai welcomed me.” He added, “After landing on the field, he gave me several valuable suggestions. One of them is that success cannot be achieved if one does not enjoy the game. And she said to listen to your mind while playing. Always play with Sunil Bhai’s advice in mind.
Sunil can fill the gap. Chhangte’s frank admission: “It is not possible to fill the void left by Sunil Bhai.” But if the team needs to play center forward, I am ready. But because of my short height, it might be a problem.” We have a chance to make history in the Kuwait match. This is what motivates everyone. Only if we win this match will it be possible to pay proper respect to Sunil Bhai.
After the Kuwait match, how much pain does Sunil not feel for the national team? Chhangte said, “We are all upset. Sunil Bhai will play the last match for the national team against Kuwait. His contribution to Indian football will never be forgotten. Sunil Bhai will be missed by all of us every moment.”
