Patience and perseverance help Chhetri

After four seasons of disappointment, JCT striker Sunil Chhetri has finally struck gold after being adjudged the best player of the 11th National Football League. The Delhi lad, who was...

After four seasons of disappointment, JCT striker Sunil Chhetri has finally struck gold after being adjudged the best player of the 11th National Football League. The Delhi lad, who was the top-scoring Indian in the league with 12 goals, was also named the best striker of the NFL.

Chhetri, who in his three seasons with Mohun Bagan, had become notorious for spurning opportunities, formed the most potent combination with Chedi Edeh to steer JCT to a second-place finish.

Asked about the turnaround, Chhetri said: “I believe I am more mature and calmer than I used to be. I used to get very excited but now I am more composed.”

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Chhetri attributed his new-found scoring prowess to the influence of his coach Sukhwinder Singh and some great support from his partner Chedi Edeh and the midfield.

“Sukhi Sir has helped me iron out a lot of flaws. I had a good understanding with Chedi and midfielders Renedy and Adebayo maintained the flow,” said Chhetri.

After his sterling show, Chhetri has been in great demand from different clubs, but Sukhwinder firmly ruled out any possibility of his transfer.

“We have already lost Chedi, there is no way we can let Chhetri go now. In fact, we are looking for some local boy to pair with Chhetri till we get a foreign player worth his salt,” said Sukhwinder.