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Sunil Chhetri is going to say goodbye to football, the coach revealed by giving a statement

Kolkata. Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac believes talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri is “probably playing the last season” of his illustrious career. He also expressed hope that the star player saves his best game for the final stages in the coming months. India is scheduled to play its next big tournament in the form of the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar from January 12 to February 10 next year. Chhetri is preparing to play in this continental tournament for the third time. The 38-year-old had done exceptionally well in the qualification tournament last year.

The website of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) quoted Stimac as saying, “At his age, this is probably his farewell to football.” Of course, Sunil might be playing his last season and definitely his last Asia Cup.” He said, “I am sure the coming months will be the best for Sunil Chhetri.” Taking part in a five-day camp here ahead of the football tournament. Chhetri, the most successful active player behind Cristiano Ronaldo (118) and Lionel Messi (98) with 84 goals in international football, has played in the 2011 and 2019 Asian Cups.

Chhetri, who made his international debut in 2005, played a key role in guiding Bengaluru FC to Saturday’s Indian Super League final. Stimac said, “Sunil Chhetri did not appear in this session. He was on the bench, waiting and preparing, shedding a few kilos which is very difficult to do at this age, but he was there for his club when it was most needed, helping them And took them to the finals. He scored the most crucial goals.” The Asian Cup is still 10 months away. Prior to this, the world number 106 team India will take part in the international tournament against Kyrgyzstan (94) and Myanmar (159) in Imphal.

India last played international matches in September. India then played out a 1–1 draw against Singapore but lost 0–3 against Vietnam. Stimac said that the performance of the players who played in all the tournaments, be it Santosh Trophy or I-League, would be considered for selection in the Indian team. He said, “The competition to make it to the final team of the Asian Cup will go on till the end. The spot is available to any Indian passport holder and not just to a player playing in the ISL. On India’s rivals in the three-nation tournament, the coach said both Kyrgyzstan and Myanmar would be challenging teams.

Stimak said, “Myanmar has the lowest ranking but in the last few years they have changed their approach to the game which can be challenging.” Plays They played great football against a strong and competitive team like Russia. It will be very exciting.” Stimac said, “We are the hosts and we will do everything possible to win the tournament.” The national team players of ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC, who played in the final of the ISL, will go to the camp on March 19. After which the team will leave for Imphal on March 21.

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