Chhetri has done exceptionally well for his country and club, says Bhaichung Bhutia

Sunil Chhetri is set to make his 100th appearance for the Indian football team in today’s Intercontinental Cup tie against Kenya. With 59 goals from 99 appearances, Chhetri is arguably one of the best Indian footballers to have played for India. His record with the national team is second only to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The Indian team are working hard to prepare themselves for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup where they are drawn against the likes of Bahrain, Thailand and hosts UAE. Bhutia said that after being hammered by the likes of South Korea, Australia and Bahrain last time out, India have a much better chance of a reaching the knock-out stage next year.

41-year old Bhutia, who served India with distinction for more than a decade and a half and scored 40 goals, recalled his playing days with Chhetri. Chhetri will become only second Indian, after Bhutia, to cross the 100 match milestone in today’s match.

“Playing 100 matches for your country is a huge achievement. I welcome him to the elite club. He has been one of the most sincere and focussed footballers I have come across. He has accomplished everything with sheer hard work. His has got amazing ability to read match situations, it’s actually unparalleled,” Bhutia added.