NEW DELHI (India): India’s star striker and top goal-getter Sunil Chhetri exuded confidence on the team’s chances to qualify for the 2023 Asian Cup in China.
“We need to win as many games as possible. The eventual aim is to qualify for AFC Asian Cup. We need to be consistently qualifying for the Continental Championship and there can be no compromise on that aspect,” Chhetri told AIFF website.
The belief in the squad is unmistakable. There’s no reason why we can’t be in China
Sunil Chhetri
India are currently on three points from five matches in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Qatar 2022. The Blues will play Qatar at home on March 26.
Chhetri hints at retirement
But the 35-year-old isn’t willing to set long term targets for himself.
“I don’t have many games left to play for my country. I want to take one game at a time,” said the second-highest goal-scorer among all active footballers in international football after Cristiano Ronaldo.
Chhetri was born in Secunderabad near Hyderabad in Telengana, but turned out for Delhi in Santosh Trophy in his initial years.
He debuted for Mohun Bagan in 2003 and went on to represent several top clubs including East Bengal, JCT and currently plays for ISL side Bengaluru FC.
“Bengaluru have really done well domestically. We want to continue on the trend domestically, and most definitely want to do well in Asia. There’s an opportunity knocking at our doors this year. We need to grab it,” said Chhetri. “I am proud that 5-6 Bengaluru players are representing the country. It would be great if we can add to that number.”
Chhetri said he was aiming “to be a better person than what I was in 2019.” “Little by little, not by making big promises, I need to be calmer, read more, spend more time with my loved ones, and be more mindful about nature and environment,” he said.
