Former Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri urged players with prospects for representing the national side to stay as far away as possible from controversies.
Indian centreback Anwar Ali found himself in hot waters as he was handed a four-month ban from the AIFF for the unjust termination of his contract with Mohun Bagan and signing a new deal with Kolkata rivals East Bengal SC, after having returned to Delhi FC, his parent club. The Indian football governing body sought compensation of Rs 12.90 crore from Delhi FC and East Bengal.
The AIFF’s Player Status Committee issued him a No Objection Certificate following a directive by the Delhi High Court, permitting Anwar to play for Mohun Bagan.
“I do not know the nitty-gritty of the thing. I don’t know exactly what happened. Just purely on Anwar, because I love him and he knows it, he’s one of the assets of the national team. I would want him to stay away from controversies as much as possible,” said Chhetri.
“He knows it. I’ve called him and I’ve told him. All the boys in the national team, they know it. All the national team boys, especially the ones who are upcoming and young. I want them to stay away from controversies as much as possible,” the former Indian skipper added.
He added that it would do a world of good if players aspiring to pull on the Blue Tigers kit stayed away from controversies.
“I don’t know how much possible was it for him (to avoid the controversy). But I hope going forward, all the prospects of the national team stay away from these things,” Chhetri continued.
Chhetri, who called time on his illustrious international career revealed that he hasn’t completely come to terms with his retirement and stated that he does in fact miss it and it is hard for him to discuss the topic.
“Why are you asking me difficult questions, man? It’s not been nice, I miss it,”he said.
“I’ve got six players from the national team at my club. They come back and tell me stories and I don’t like it. I’ve told them, ‘shut up, it’s going to take time, I’m not cool with it yet’,” the 40-year-old added.
“The day I am, I’ll speak to them properly and you too. But for now, don’t remind me that I’m not a player of the national team,” Chhetri said.
Chhetri, 40, backed India head coach Manolo Marquez to excel in his dual role with the national team as well as with FC Goa.
The striker also backed team India head coach Manolo Marquez to succeed in his capacity as the gaffer of the Blue Tigers in addition to managing FC Goa in the Indian Super League.
“It is challenging, but we know what Manolo has done in the last couple of years. The good thing is the windows, the one that is left. One is the Vietnam window and then one is the March window,” Chhetri said.
“He’ll be able to handle it. Also, the plus point, the pro, because the cons we talked about. The pros is that he will know the players. He’s watching every game in the ISL because he has to. That really works. He will know exactly what team to pick,” he added.
Chhetri said he has enjoyed sharing days of fatherhood with his good friend Virat Kohli, but added that retirement was something neither of them has brought up in their discussions.
Chhetri, who is good mates with former Indian cricket team skipper and star batter Virat Kohli, expressed that the pair have conversations on a variety of topics, mainly fatherhood now, but talks of post-retirement topics have been put on hold.
“We talk a lot about what’s happening now. We talk a lot about different things that sports provide us,” Chhetri said.
“We talk a lot about kids, that’s a common topic now. A lot of diapers, a lot of fun stuff, a lot of crawling. But we haven’t talked yet about post-retirement stuff, to be very honest,” he continued.
“We talk a lot, but the talks are more about the kids right now and the present scenario, not about what’s going to happen after retirement.”
Chhetri said he will continue to play in the Indian Super League as long as he can add value to his club Bengaluru FC.
Chhetri, who plies his trade for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League stated that he’d like to play for them for as long as he can add value to the side.
“As long as they can have me, as long as I can add value to the club, as long as I’m happy. The day I think I am not adding any value, the day I think the club doesn’t need me, I’ll be gone. As simple as that,” Chhetri added.
Bengaluru FC stand atop the ISL 2024-25 standings with 10 points so far in the nascent campaign in four outings.
“We had a great start for the season. We’re at the top right now with 10 points. I don’t have a date that I can give you, but as long as I’m enjoying, as long as I’m adding value to the club, I’m here,” he signed off.
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