India’s football captain, Sunil Chhetri stopped all the talks regarding his retirement and stated that he does not have long-term targets and does not know when his last game will be. As India plays Lebanon in the semifinal on Saturday, the striker has been in excellent form with five goals in just three games in the SAFF Championship 2023.
The 38-year-old does not let his age interfere with his performance. At such an older age, he is still one of the fittest in the squad and continues to score goals at will. He is one of the main reasons behind India’s undefeated run in the SAFF Championships with 4-0 and 2-0 wins against Pakistan and Nepal respectively. India steamrolled Pakistan as Chhetri displayed one of his best performances to date with a splendid hat trick. In the third game, however, India faced a slight hiccup as Kuwait drew the game 1-1 despite Chhetri’s goal just before halftime.
Sunil Chhetri stated in an interaction before the semi-final against Lebanon, "I don't know when my last game for the country is going to be. It derives from the fact that I have never had long-term targets, I think about next match, next 10 days. It (retirement) may come at a day when probably I don't want to, as there are a lot of things, and I will be done. Till that time, I never think about it."
But sadly, I can't tell whether it (retirement) is in one year or six months. Fortunately or unfortunately my family is also guessing this, and whenever they mention this, jokingly, I tell my stats to them. The day I am finished with my petrol or diesel or electric or whatever I am done," added the 38-year-old.
The next challenge for the Blue Tigers is the semi-final of the SAFF Championship against Lebanon which will take place on Saturday in Bangalore.
According to Chhetri, Lebanon is a tough, so taking them for granted might be disastrous. The recent Intercontinental Cup final between India and Lebanon ended in a 2-0 victory for India, but he did not make too much of it.
"Lebanon is a tough side. We have already played them twice. I'm pretty sure they have the same feeling about us and trying to stay calm. We did our best to recuperate after so many games in such short time," said Chhetri.
