Sunil Chhetri reveals how leadership onus helped him in his career

India’s football icon Sunil Chhetri has had a glorious career as he has ticked the right boxes. The veteran revealed he was always self-centered before he was given leadership duties. However, once Chhetri was given the captaincy band, he said he started thinking about other players and the team dynamics.

The striker has been in sublime form in the ongoing Indian Super League for Bengaluru FC as he has scored eight goals in 12 matches. Thus, he has played an instrumental role in the success of the Blues.

Sunil Chhetri said in an interview with ANI, “I was very self-centered before I was a captain. I only thought about myself, my shin pad, my sleep, my game, my role. When I became a captain, I started thinking more holistically about others. Behaviour, team dynamics. That is what changed in me periodically when I became a captain, and it helped me in my life also.”

The 40-year-old revealed he feels at the top of his fitness despite announcing his retirement from international football.

“I know people think I’m delusional, but now (I feel at my peak). Physically, the way I feel now.. understanding people’s emotions, with thinking that I’m just a small part of a bigger team, it’s now. I’m more at peace. I’m more happier. I think I’m more calmer. I understand people more. I think I’m a better team player now.”

Chhetri revealed it was always a surreal feeling to stand up for the national anthem before playing for the Blue Tigers at the top level.

He stated: “I stand and I sing the national anthem with pride (during an ISL game). But when you are with the national team, I don’t know what happens. Singing the national anthem before the game for the country is an unparalleled feeling. It’s one of those moments where you feel, what is happening?”

When asked what makes him different from other players, he said: “One thing that I have which keeps me going is I really want this. I really want to be a player. I really want to play football. And in that department, there aren’t many people who can fight with me in this world. Forget India. What I do, I genuinely love it, and I really go hard at it. That doesn’t mean that I win every day. Doesn’t mean that I’m the best. But I’ll be at it, no matter what. It doesn’t matter what’s going on in my head, what’s going in my life, I want to play it no matter”

Bengaluru FC will next take on Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai on 28th December.