Indian striker Sunil Chhetri is promising an exciting and competitive performance from the Indian team in Sunday’s friendly international against Trinidad and Tobago at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Chhetri spoke following India’s first training session at Fatima Grounds on Thursday, explaining that his country was not crazy about cricket only and in fact has more youngsters playing football today.
“We are very excited. It’s a very big match. It’s not everyday we play teams higher ranked than us. It’s going to be a good test,” Chettri told TTFF Media.
“It’s been a long national camp for a month and a half and it’s a good way to see where we’ve reached. I’m looking forward to it as a player and the whole team is anticipating the match,” added the ex-Kansas City Wizards player.
The 27-year-old from Secundrabad said he was fully aware of the similarities between India and T&T, saying he felt comfortable in his surroundings since arriving on Thursday.
“There are a lot of similarities and ties historically. A lot of things are identical in this country and ours. We have been very well welcomed in this country and it feels good when you are welcomed properly. At the end of the day what really matters is the match and I’m sure it’s going to be a great match. India will definitely give a hundred percent,” he added.
Chettri agreed to a three-year contract with English club Queen’s Park Rangers in 2009 but was denied a work permit because of India’s world ranking outside the top 70. He did however get playing time with Kansas, appearing also in an off season match against the visiting Manchester United.
“It’s been great especially being out there when people don’t take Indian football that seriously and when you as an individual go abroad and try to make a name … it feels good. I had some good stints in England and also in Kansas. It made me a better player and a better person. I just try to improve everyday and try to help my teammates. That’s what football is all about, it doesn’t matter what I do on the field but instead what is more important is how the team does. I hope we can gel properly, play as a team and play good football,” said Chhetri
The Mohun Bagan AC player said football was growing rapidly in India.
“This is a good way to tell the fans that India can play football. They will be amazed at the development and to see the amount of kids that play football in our country. It’s the most played game in our country even though the most important and famous game is cricket. Football needs any introduction whether it be in Trinidad and Tobago or India,” he ended.
Chettri has scored 24 goals in 50 appearances for India and will be hoping to add to that tally on Sunday.
The Indians trained on Friday morning at the Hasely Crawford training pitch and will train on the main field on Saturday.