Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri disclosed on Wednesday that he had to return to Sporting Lisbon to complete his contract obligations. However he did not rule out a loan move, stressing that he is yet to decide his destination.
Chhetri has already played the last seven games for Churchill Brothers in the I-League. Subsequently, he will return to Portugal where he has a contract with Sporting Lisbon 'B'. Chhetri played just five matches in Portugal. But he failed to begin even a single game before shifting to Churchill on a loan.
Chhetri clarified that he has not yet decided it and hasn't signed for any club. He added that in any case, he has to return to Sporting Lisbon and discuss the possibilities of a loan to another club. The withdrawal striker played a crucial role in the fag end of the league as Churchill lifted the I-League trophy. He is looking forward to take a break and spend some time with his family. He admitted that it is the only time when they get to reside with their families. If one looks at him, he has been traveling all over in the year without even getting time to spend with his family. According to him, it is the best feeling to see the faces of his dear ones around when he wakes up in the morning. He agreed that he is growing up and cannot shy away from his responsibilities. He felt blessed when he managed to stay by his mom’s side when she got operated recently. He felt the responsibility of a son.
Chhetri revealed that during peak-season, even if his heart wanted, he may not have been able to be there. It is the same case for all footballers. He announced that he will be having a coaching camp at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi from 16th to 23rd June. There is even a plan to conduct a Coaching Camp for kids at the same venue which will kick-start on 16th June and will continue for 8 days.
The Indian striker narrated that some of his friends turned up to him with the idea of opening a football academy in New Delhi some time ago. Truly, he didn’t intend to dampen their enthusiasm but was a bit skeptical at the outset. He is well aware that sustaining an academy is a big thing. One just cannot have an academy for the sake of having it. Instead, he told them to conduct an eight-day coaching camp and revisit the idea of the academy later on. He assured that he will personally be talking and interacting with the kids and convey them about the mistakes which he made at their age. He will also have a separate session with the parents. Among the perks, they will take care of the kitting. Nike will supply the balls and the kids will be given clean drinking water and proper nutrition in between and after the sessions. He added that the first two days will be the trials while practice sessions have been scheduled for next four days. The practice matches would occur during the last two days.
