Chhetri plumps for youth

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Indian striker Sunil Chhetri was at Seethi Haji Stadium in Edavanna in Malappuram for just an hour. But the kind of atmosphere and crowd at the stadium awed the striker.

The day after his visit, in an exclusive interview to this newspaper he said, “It is very disappointing that the state has no I-League side.

If a sevens tournament can attract this much attention, imagine the crowd an I-League team would be able to draw. I am astonished to see such an overwhelming number of people.”

“The development of football will happen only if young people are given more opportunities. For this to happen, we should prioritise the tournaments in India.

If only national players are given a chance in all the tournaments then where and when are the youngsters going to play?” he asks.

Asked about the Asian Cup experience last year he said, “It is important for India to be there in the tournament as only then will we know where our place is.

These kinds of tournaments are very important for the Indian team because they let us know our shortcomings, no matter whether we win or lose.”

The player, who is currently playing from Mohun Bagan, says he will not probably feature in the club squad next season. “I would probably not be in the squad.

However, it is not certain because anything can happen. Right now I am enjoying my vacation and am not bothered about my prospects.

I have to spend some time with my family, which I have not done for the past six years,” he said.

Chhetri may also play for a foreign club and he says that plans are on cards. “I am 27-years-old now. I will not get any other chance to play abroad after about two years.

So I am looking for an opportunity but I am not in a position to disclose the names of the clubs at present,” he said.

The player, who was in the Kansas City team that beat Manchester United in a friendly, says that the experience was something unforgettable.

“I swapped shirts with Nani and after that he became a good friend of mine. The match was unforgettable,” he said.