New Delhi: Sunil Chhetri is just one match away from becoming India's most capped player. Currently tied at the top with Bhaichung Bhutia, the JSW Bengaluru FC player is set to overtake his former teammate when he squares off against CONCACAF side – Curacao in the 2019 King's Cup in Thailand.
Speaking ahead of the team's departure for Buriram, he played down the occasion, saying: “I never think about the 100+ games or the number of goals I have scored.
"I feel proud though when people around me keep reminding me that every record is in your name, and here we are talking about a country’s history. For someone who never even dreamt of playing for his country, or even of making it professionally, it’s unbelievable.”
Asked if he has anything special planned for the day, he added, “I don’t get time to sit back and think about how much I have achieved. I am just happy that I am playing and happy that I am training. What’s really good is that I am still enjoying myself.”
The team has just concluded a camp under Igor Stimac, and Chhetri seemed excited about playing under the new head coach.
"It’s been seven to eight days of training, and what the players have been really happy is about the coach’s tactical and technical knowledge where we understand things, and improve ourselves."
"Stimac’s man management has been exceptional as he talks to everyone. He is open minded, players can go and talk to him anytime. It also helps as he was a player. So a lot of the times when he talks to you, you get to understand that he too understands what a player goes through.”
The Blue Tigers depart for Buriram later on Sunday and will play their first game in what will be the 47th edition of the Thailand King's Cup on June 5.
Source: the-afc.com