ISL: Till the time I add value to the team, I will be at Bengaluru FC – Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri said he will continue playing at Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League till the time he adds value to the team. Chhetri recently announced his International retirement after the Blue Tigers’ match against Kuwait but he will continue to play for the Blues.

The veteran scored five goals and provided three assists in 20 matches of the previous season of the ISL. But Bengaluru FC finished at the 10th place in the ISL standings 2023-24 with five wins in 22 matches and could only muster 22 points. Thus, they were well away from qualifying from the playoffs and this was their worst since joining the ISL in the 2017-18 campaign. 

Chhetri said the team’s head coach Gerard Zaragoza has told the players that the selection will be based on their performance.

 “He (Gerard Zaragoza) said that we must work hard to get in the team. That creates a healthy atmosphere.”

“Generally, head coaches are nice with their words on day one, but he came in and told us about the competition (for places); that is the way he wanted it,” he was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Speaking on his decision to hang up his boots for India, Chhetri said, “With the national team, I think I did it (retirement) at the right time. It has given me a lot of perspective. So, I just want to come and enjoy it.”

Chhetri added he has no idea how long he can carry on for Bengaluru FC but wants to play till he is adding value to the team.

“I have no idea as to how long I will play. Lot of it will depend on what value I bring to the team,” Chhetri explained.

“That is one of the most important criteria because of the kind of life I have lived in football, especially at this club. This is my club. I don’t want to be here if I don’t add value. Till the time I add value to the team, I will be here; that is one of the criteria; next is family…,” the veteran signed off.