'Little jealous' Sunil Chhetri backs India’s next generation ahead of Brazil & Uruguay friendlies
India will face Brazil on 3rd October in VYBK
Sunil Chhetri, one of the biggest names in Indian football, has admitted that he feels “a little jealous” watching the current generation of Indian players get the chance to face top international teams such as Brazil and Uruguay.
The former India captain, who spent nearly two decades with the national team, believes the upcoming matches are a huge opportunity for the youngsters.
Reflecting on his own career, Chhetri admitted that he never got an opportunity to play against teams of this level during his time with India.
“I feel jealous of those who will get to play against Brazil”: Sunil Chhetri
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“I feel a little jealous as a spectator. In my 24–26 years as a professional and nearly 20 years with the national team, I never got an opportunity like this,” he said.
Chhetri urged the current players to stay fit, compete with determination and make the most of the occasion.
He also backed the head coach and coaching staff when asked about team selection and the absence of certain players. “The coach has to answer that. I’m just a fan now, watching like everyone else,” he said, while making it clear that he trusts the decisions being taken for the benefit of the team.
When asked about a possible return to action, Chhetri responded with his trademark humour. “I just trained for 20 minutes. I’m around 42 now, I can barely run properly and I’m struggling,” he joked.
Sunil Chhetri backs India’s next generation ahead of the clash
Despite being away from the national team setup, Chhetri remains confident in the young players.
He believes this is their moment to show what they can do on the international stage. “This is their time. There are so many talented youngsters in the team. Everyone gets their opportunity; just like I got mine 20 years ago,” he added.
What did Sunil Chhetri say about India facing Brazil and Uruguay?
Chhetri said he feels “a little jealous” as a spectator because he never got an opportunity to play against teams of this level during his India career.
What did Chhetri say about the team selection?
He backed the head coach and coaching staff, saying the coach understands the team’s requirements and is responsible for making selection decisions.
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Rohit Mistri is a sports journalist from Kolkata with over two years of experience in the field. He has extensively covered Indian football, including major tournaments such as the Calcutta Football League and the Indian Super League. His work spans on-ground reporting, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling, along with interviews of prominent sporting personalities. Rohit brings strong communication skills and a deep passion for sports narratives to everything he writes.