Bengaluru, Feb 22: India and Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri did not hesitate to mention that Bhaichung Bhutia has been his inspiration throughout his career.
All leagues special site; Sunil's hard work key to success: Bhutia;
Chhetri recently surpassed Bhaichung Bhutia's tally of 89 goals to become the highest Indian goal scorer in the I-League/National Football League. [Chhetri becomes highest Indian goal scorer in I-League]
The prolific striker and the captain of Indian football team said without any hesitation: “Bhaichung Bhutia has been my inspiration since the beginning of my career. "I used to dream that I would be the captain and leading striker in the national team one day. I can remember that I crossed Bhaichung's highest number of goals with the senior national team four years ago, scoring the winner against Nepal in the SAFF Cup in Siliguri. "I was overwhelmed when Bhaichung, present at the stadium, came and hugged me with utmost joy. That was one of my most memorable days in my career. "This time, I have not yet received any congratulatory message from Bhaichung. But I am sure he will call me any day." Commenting on the mystery behind his success at the age of 32 years, Chhetri said: “Maintaining discipline has been the key factor to my success throughout. "My father was an army man. He was ruthless in applying the discipline on me and my sister. At the same time, he always instructed us to be down-to-earth. "That is why, after having started my career in football I never looked at the statistics. I focus only on the excellence in my performance." Sunil also informed he spends more time in the gym nowadays to keep himself fit. He added: “I become very cautious about one thing that nobody should comment that Chhetri is getting into the Indian team as an automatic choice. "That is why I always keep in mind that I must have to perform to get into the Indian team even at this age." OneIndia News
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