Kolkata: Sunil Chhetri, India’s one of the all time greatest footballers, turns 33 today. The man who shoulders the burden of expectations of every Indian football fan, probably going through the desired time of his career, as the Indian football team is now currently among top 100 in the FIFA World rankings and the sky is looking only brighter now. An inspiration, a leader, a match-winner – Sunil Chhetri has been India’s biggest pride in world football these days. Today, on his auspicious birthday, Sunil gave an exclusive interview to Suman Chakravorty of www.xtratime.in, where he revealed something which will make his fans excited as well.
XT: Happy birthday Sunil. What’s your resolution?
Sunil: Thank you Suman. Well, the resolution is to give more time to my family. I want to keep working hard, keep giving my best, keep setting my short-term goals like I always do – the next day game, the next game, the next week…
XT: You must be flooded with birthday messages today. Among all the wishes, which have been special for you?
Sunil: Of course those messages which I got from my fans. There were lots of messages. But I tried to reply each of those. At least as much as I could. I’m so touched by the messages I’ve got today on the social media.
XT: Any surprise from your fiance?
Sunil: Well, Mem (his fiance) has given me a big surprise. She came here yesterday to give me the surprise. She has been amazing throughout. Now she is preparing dinner for the night.
XT: Oh great! What is she preparing?
Sunil: Well, I was told a few moments back that there would be spaghetti, Roasted chicken and few more other chicken preparations. She and mom are preparing those and I’m sure it would be good in taste (smiles).
XT: What would be your personal goals next season? You are already among the top four active goalscorers in the world. What’s the next mission?
Sunil: I told you in previous interactions as well Suman, I never play for personal goals. Team has always been my priority and it’s never gonna change.
XT: Do you think that your dream has now been a reality as you told me last year that you want to see India among the top ten teams in Asia? India is close to the bracket.
Sunil: Well, we have to try and get better and better. It had been two great years so far. Yes, there were moments of happiness for sure as it doesn’t come overnight. We have worked hard and that is what we should continue to do in the coming months as well.