AIFF award is added motivation to do better, says Sunil Chhetri
After winning the AIFF Men’s Player of the Year 2018-19 award, Sunil Chhetri has said that it was an added motivation for him to play well for the nation. The ace Indian striker has also revealed that he draws inspiration from MC Mary Kom, who has an unbelievable story of her own.
Sunil Chhetri bagged yet another AIFF Men’s Player of the Year award earlier this week and it was the sixth time he was receiving the prestigious award. With 70 international goals in his career, he is the second highest goal-scorer in the world at the moment. With the Intercontinental Cup being played in Ahmedabad, Chhetri is of the belief that the award will be an added motivation for him to do well.
“The Award is the added motivation to do better, and it reminds me of my responsibility. Honestly, I have never got a time, or ever have I sat back and thought of what, and how much have I achieved. I am just happy that I am playing for my country, and that I am training. I am enjoying it. I never think about 100+ games, or whatever number of goals, 6 AIFF Best Player awards. That I have kept aside to speak about over a drink when I retire,” Chhetri was quoted as saying by the AIFF website.
“Off course I feel proud especially when people keep reminding you that almost record is in your name -- and here you are talking about a country’s history. But I don’t take it too seriously. I don’t take it to my heart. I don’t get carried away. I know for a fact that it’s not going to last for ever.”
Chhetri also spoke about the inspiration that he draws from MC Mary Kom, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Speaking about the Indian boxing great, Chhetri stated that she has an unbelievable story. Chhetri also revealed that he is the biggest fan of the pugilist from Manipur.
“I gather from motivation around me -- from a lot of personalities who have done well in their respective fields. MC Mary Kom is one of them. She is an unbelievable story. She is a 6-time World champion, and have been a World Champion after giving birth to twins, and even after being a mother of three. Besides, she has 14 Gold medals in all, including the Asian Games, the Asian Championships, the CWG Games, and others. If she doesn’t inspire India, who else will. I am her biggest fan,” the veteran striker explained.
“Her never say die attitude. Nothing is too late, everything is possible. There are phases in life which surface at times, and it makes you understand that despite you working hard, everything what you are doing is probably not enough. That’s when you need to look around, and beyond. You need to look at what other people are doing. A prime example stays Mary Kom. That’s when the understanding creeps up -- that you need to push yourself more,” he added.
When asked about any footballer in his mind, Chhetri replied, “There are two gentlemen named Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi (smiles again). In the last 10-11 years they have completely dominated the world of football. If they don’t score in 2-3 matches, people start speaking that ‘they are out of form.’ Whenever I am stressed or tired, I always think about these guys. And it falls into place for me.”