Win against Kuwait would be best farewell for Chhetri, exclaims Lallinzuala Chhangte

Chhangte also shared his memories and thoughts about Sunil Chhetri.

The Indian football team are all set to take on Kuwait at home in a vital match for the Blue Tigers in their pursuit to qualify for the next round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2026. The team faced a disastrous setback in March when they lost to Afghanistan at home.

With Sunil Chhetri announcing his retirement from international football, it would be a befitting farewell for him if India win and qualify for the next round. Kuwait are a tough team and the Blue Tigers need to be motivated to clinch those three points in front of their home crowd.

Lallianzuala Chhangte, one of the key stars in the national team, shared his thoughts on the match and Sunil Chhetri at a press conference: 

Motivation for match

The nimble-footed winger gave insights into the dressing room atmosphere. “We have a great atmosphere in the team right now. It’s a time when we can honour Sunil Chhetri. Hence, we will give our best to win this game and of course, this is a chance to create history and go to the next round.

“We will do everything possible on the pitch and hopefully, we take all three points. The plus point is that we will have our fans here and I hope they come up with a huge number,” Chhangte said.

Special match or tough one?

The winger also assured fans that the team will put in every ounce of energy to get those three points. “Well, even though there is no guarantee that we will win this match, I am sure that we will give our heart out for the fans and especially we want to make this the most memorable one for Sunil Chhetri as well. Of course, we want to go to the next round and make history. That’s what our objective is,” Chhangte acknowledged.

He also mentioned the barrier they have in front. Chhangte said, “I know Kuwait will be a tough encounter. They have got good players, but we have an advantage, we will have our fans. The players and the squad are ready to play. We are fit, are set to go after a serious training stint in Odisha.”

A captain’s farewell

This will be Sunil Chhetri’s final match donning the Indian national team jersey. Chhangte said that winning against Kuwait would be the best farewell to him.

“Yes, we had our fun games the other days and I hope that will come up soon in the media as well. But, most importantly, we are focused on the next match against Kuwait. Hence, I think the best honour we can do for him is to win this game. That’s the best thing we can do for him. So, everyone is focused and ready to fight and make the country proud,” Chhangte added.

He also said that it was indeed a sad moment when Chhetri announced his retirement. “Everyone was sad. But, looking at all his achievements we are happy for him. We are going to miss him a lot in the dressing room and what he has done for the country, we are going to miss him.

“But, I hope someone will take the responsibility. All the players are together and we want to make the next match the most memorable one.”

When asked what his best memory was with the captain, the ISL winner highlighted, “Putting aside what we had outside the pitch, I think the one where I gave him an assist during the Intercontinental Cup last year. That was the most memorable one.”

The journey with Chhetri

He also reminisced about his journey with Sunil Chhetri. The Mumbai City winger said, “Well, the journey has been very interesting because I still remember the first time I played for India. He told me to be myself, enjoy the game and do whatever I want to do in the final third. I remember that since then.

“Going a little bit forward, I think it’s a privilege to play alongside him. I want to cherish right now every single training session and every single time I spend with him.”

Can Chhangte fill the boots?

Questions are in the air as to who can fill Chhetri’s boots in the Indian national team. People have Chhangte in mind, but the winger himself acknowledged the difficulty of playing as a No. 9. However, he has given the green light for the same if the country needs him in that role.

“I think it’s not about taking the role of Sunil Chhetri. I think for the national team it’s all about working for the best of the team. We cannot rely on one player and I hope and believe that even though Chhetri will not be there in the future, we will work as a team.

“I don’t mind if the team needs me in the centre, but with my height, there are some things that a proper No. 9 needs. I won’t mind if the country needs me as well,” Lallianzuala Chhangte explained.

Important players missing from squad

Various players are missing from the squad. Chhangte had his say on the same, but believes that the ones replacing them would put on a show against Kuwait. “We miss them, but the ones that are here are taking the responsibility very well. I believe that they will show it in the match to come,” Chhangte concluded.

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