Sunil Chhetri

“We need IMG-Reliance in Indian football as they are an important sponsor.”

“Even if soccer is not number one in the United States, they do things very well here. There's much our country can learn from the U.S.A., because we all know that soccer is not the main game in India. We can still do more things, like provide better facilities for the players so they can perform well.”

“I don't spend too much time on my phone, laptop or television. However, I do occasionally watch documentaries and shows on streaming platforms.”

“If you win two games, one game or three games, you can still say it's luck. But when you win a championship over 18 games, it's not luck.”

“When I was in Portugal I hardly played six-or-seven matches. Although I would train daily to keep my shape. Even then it was really difficult when I came back to get in shape and represent my country.”

“Talking to a player helps, but in our sport the majority of learning happens from watching another player. You pick up things like being punctual, being nice to everyone, making sure you give your 100 per cent even in training.”

“If I do the right things on and off the field that's how a player is going to learn.”

“The joy and love that I get from playing football are unbelievable. It is such a feeling that I want to give everything that I have got. I just enjoy it, I am living a life that I never even dreamt of.”

“Playing in MLS was a great experience. It has boosted my confidence and I feel I have matured as a player.”

“Lot of players lose hope because of lack of motivation.”

“If you are a professional player and you are playing in the top professional league, you are sorted financially, which is good.”

“When you are in good form, you keep hitting the target. You may have the best match but you may still not have the goals. But scoring is most important and it feels so good that I have been knocking them in. It really boosts the morale.”

“I always believe that there should come a time when your energy, speed, stamina should combine well with your brains.”

“I signed for Mohun Bagan and then I got the news that Bhaichung also joined the club. The first day he met me he told me that I have heard about you and you are doing well. I told everyone in my family and friends that Bhaichung told me that.”

“You can say that 2016 was my finest. It went well for the national team, started by winning the SAFF Cup, we reached the finals of AFC Cup, we reached the semis of ISL. I think it was a fruitful season.”

“I saw 14 games in two and a half months at Churchill. It was what I really signed for. They were eyeing the championship and also playing the AFC Cup. So I am very thankful for Churchill, the coaching staff and the players.”

“Bob Houghton is a great coach and I am confident that the national team will do well under him.”

“When I was younger, I used to have more flair, I used to do more tricks, the nutmegs, the step-overs.”

“All the top players in the world play 45-50-60 games. You need that many games, even the strikers need that many games.”

“You can sometimes play some really good football and not score.”