‘A Little Jealous’: Sunil Chhetri Admits He Misses Out on India’s Big Opportunity Against Brazil, Uruguay
Sunil Chhetri’s name will always be among the first to come up in any discussion about the history of Indian football. For more than two decades, he was the face of Indian football and led the national team with distinction. However, Chhetri never got the opportunity during his career to play against world-class teams such as Brazil and Uruguay.
Photo Courtesy – ISL
XtraTime Web Desk: Sunil Chhetri’s name will always be among the first to come up in any discussion about the history of Indian football. For more than two decades, he was the face of Indian football and led the national team with distinction. However, Chhetri never got the opportunity during his career to play against world-class teams such as Brazil and Uruguay.
That is why, while he feels proud seeing the current generation of Indian footballers getting such a chance, the former India captain admitted that there is also a little regret in a corner of his heart.
Chhetri is no longer part of the national team dressing room and is watching the Indian team’s performances from outside. Speaking about his feelings towards the current generation, he said, “As a spectator, I feel a little jealous. Despite spending 24-26 years as a professional footballer and nearly 20 years with the national team, I never got such an opportunity.”
Chhetri believes the chance to play against teams like Brazil and Uruguay could be extremely important for Indian football. He hopes the young players will keep themselves fit, fight bravely and make the most of the opportunity presented to them on such a big stage.
Chhetri was also asked about team selection. However, he did not want to get involved in any controversy over the omission of certain players. Instead, the former India captain expressed complete faith in the coach’s decisions.
“The coach has to answer that. I am now just a supporter. Like everyone else, I am watching from outside,” Chhetri said. According to him, the coach understands the team’s requirements better than anyone else. Therefore, he backed the decisions taken by the coaching staff.
And what if there is suddenly a possibility of Chhetri returning to the pitch? His answer is sure to bring a smile. Speaking in a lighter vein, he said, “I have trained for only 20 minutes. I am almost 42 now. I can’t even run properly; I am struggling.”
Behind the humour, however, Chhetri’s faith in the current generation is crystal clear. According to him, it is now the youngsters’ time to shine.
“This is their time. There are many talented young players in the team. Everyone gets an opportunity, just as I got mine nearly 20 years ago,” he said.
The possibility of India playing against teams like Brazil and Uruguay could undoubtedly mark a historic chapter in Indian football. And even though Chhetri may not be on the pitch when that chapter unfolds, he will be there from the stands or the sidelines—not just as a former captain, but as a proud supporter of Indian football.