Mumbai City FC have built me on another level: Lallianzuala Chhangte

Chhangte is currently the second-highest Indian goal scorer in ISL

Mumbai City FC won the League Shield in the previous Indian Super Legaue (ISL) season after an excellent campaign, and a major part of that credit belongs to Lallianzuala Chhangte. With his presence, they are having a solid start to the current season, despite the fact that Chhangte is yet to find a goal in the ongoing 2023-24 season.

Lallianzuala Chhangte has always been a significant player in the Indian Super League circuit, as he came close to winning the ISL trophy with Chennaiyin FC in the 2019-20 season, but finished as runners-up. After joining the Islanders the following season, Chhangte has put up strong performances in every game this season, showcasing his remarkable work rate and willingness to create chances for his teammates.

Chhangte won the ISL Golden Ball in the 2022-23 season after helping Mumbai City FC win the League Shield with 10 goals and six assists. He also became the Indian player with the most points, capping off a memorable season for him. Despite the fact that he has yet to open his goal box this season, he has been an essential asset to Des Buckingham's team.

Chhangte spoke in an interview with the Indian Super League, Excerpts are below:

Chhangte embarked about his best season

Lallianzuala Chhangte is often regarded as one of the best players to have grown in India in recent times after Sunil Chhetri. He is now the leading Indian goal scorer in ISL after Chhetri as he never fails to leave his impact for the team he plays for or against. Chhangte's most prolific season in terms of goal contributions was the 2022-23 season. Last season, he was the Islanders' second-highest goal producer, scoring many critical goals for the club.

The Indian maestro embarked on his journey of the ISL last season. "It was an amazing season (for me in 2022-23). It is a blessing from God. Credit goes to my family as they have been supporting me since I was a child and I will never forget what they have done for me because they believed in me even during my hardest times, I think the best is yet to come, even though we had an amazing season." Chhangte said. "

Chhangte's thoughts after joining Mumbai City FC

The playmaker put forward his thoughts on joining the Islanders and shed light on how the coach, the team, the players have helped him to grow over time. Chhangte said, "I think I made the right decision when I joined Mumbai City FC.

"I am not the strongest guy. I have to find where I am fitting and Mumbai City FC have given me an opportunity to join the club and to play and so huge credit to coach Des. He was trusting me and encouraging me to believe in myself, believe in my ability and this is what keeps me going. So, it is all about continuing the good work."

"I think I am able to reach this level because of the help from my teammates and certain coaches who played an important role and of course Mumbai City FC have built me on another level. I think this is just the beginning of a long journey I am about to take," the winger added.

Chhangte focused on his areas of improvement

When asked about his potential areas for growth, Chhangte acknowledged the need to enhance his final-third decision-making and is committed to making a positive impact, both as an individual and as part of the team. He said, "It is really important to be consistent and that is what I will try to do.

"I know it is not going to be easy because other teams are getting good players but we have a brilliant team this year and with the help of my teammates I will try to work harder than last year and perform even better than last season. We will do our best individually and collectively to achieve what we could not achieve last year."

"I want to be an example for my colleagues, my teammates and especially for the younger players. I will try to be an example on and off the pitch and work harder than before. Making decisions in the final third is where I need to improve a lot. Yes we have had an amazing season but I think we could have done better. I hope and strongly believe that we will do better this year, individually and collectively," Chhangte concluded by saying.