Bengaluru: Sunil Chhetri doesn’t shy away from admitting he "cries and cribs" to his coaches for more playing time, even at 41. Yet, the Bengaluru FC captain says his enduring love for football and commitment to the team overshadow any personal frustrations.
"I don't like it (warming the benches). What I'm going to do, I've been crying and cribbing to all the coaches they give me. But good thing is, they are very hostile. They give me a different answer every time, so at least I'm not bored. But I love this club too much," Chhetri told reporters on the eve of the ISL match against Kerala Blasters.
"Every day is a struggle, but I love it," Chhetri confessed. "I focus on the next game and do as much as I can for the team. Whether it’s 10 or 20 minutes, I’ll always give my best. I love this club too much to let these things bother me."
While he occasionally feels disappointed when not starting, Chhetri says he quickly regroups and channels his energy into being ready for his moments on the pitch.
Looking to the future, the Indian football legend hopes for a fairytale ending to his storied career. "I’d love to decide when and where I finish, but until then, I’ll keep running, fighting, and giving my all."
Despite being in the twilight of his career, Chhetri finds motivation in the knowledge that his time on the field is limited. "Knowing it’s going to end soon pushes me to savour every bit of it - training, playing, even the fights during practice. I thrive in that environment and hate missing sessions."
Chhetri’s influence extends beyond his own game, with coaches and teammates acknowledging his profound impact. "Sunil’s contribution is unmatched. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his presence lifts the entire team," BFC Assistant Coach Renedy Singh said.
As a mentor, Chhetri ensures younger players feel supported and motivated. “We create an environment where they can enjoy and learn without too much pressure. It’s the kind of atmosphere I thrived in, and I want them to experience the same.”
For Chhetri, the journey continues, fuelled by resilience and a love for football. "I don’t know how long I’ll keep playing—three months, two years—but as long as I’m here, I’ll keep enjoying this beautiful game," he concluded.
