Xtra Time Web Desk : Indian national football team coach Igor Stimac has heaped huge praise on Captain Sunil Chhetri for completing 15 years in international football. The Indian football talisman became the second footballer of the country after Bhaichung Bhutia to complete fifteen years in international football.
“Dedicated, workaholic and team man — those are some of the attributes which define Sunil Chhetri. When I first saw him last year, they were back to the National Team camp after a long gap following the AFC Asian Cup. A few boys were new but the fire under his belly probably was more than anyone else. Chhetri’s never say die attitude and dedication are the secrets of his long career,” said Stimac to AIFF media.
The Croatian recalled an incident during the preparatory camp for the Indian national team ahead of the Kings Cup 2019, his maiden assignment with Blue Tigers.
According to Stimac, “Despite being the senior most member of the team, Chhetri craved to push maximum to achieve the result after the heartbreak in AFC Asian Cup.”
He added, “I see him as someone who always pushes the bar in the training and never compromises with the regime. He drives the team and he is the character who defines the team. Numerous characters have glorified the Indian Football history and he’s definitely one of them who have made his country proud.”
“Chhetri is someone who always runs the extra yard, breaks some more sweat during the training session which, in the process encourages the youngsters to emulate him. The entire process aids the cumulative progress of the team and raises the bar,” signed off Stimac
With inputs from AIFF media