ISL 2017: Sunil Chhetri on the verge of 200 goals in domestic competition
What's the story?
Sunil Chhetri is no less than a legend in Indian football history. The Delhi man has scored goal after goal in the Blue of India and the striker has gone on to become the highest ever goal scorer for the Indian national football team. The Bengaluru FC player has amassed well over 50 goals for his country with his eyes on even more.
Such has been his importance to the team, that even at 33 years of age, he remains the country's leading light and go-to man in big matches. Now, Chhetri could achieve yet another milestone in his storied career by scoring 200 goals in domestic football.
In case you didn't know...
Chhetri has played for a number of clubs during his career including Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mumbai City FC and even abroad with Sporting Lisbon B, in the Portuguese league second tier, and the Kansas City Wizards in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The heart of the matter
Sunil Chhetri's national team journey has taken him on a roller coaster ride but his club career has been no different. With India's biggest clubs having already secured his services at some point, Chhetri even had several opportunities to play abroad for clubs such as Leeds United and Coventry City, but as the striker mentioned, work permit restrictions were a big barrier in him moving abroad to play football.
What's next?
Now, Chhetri has the opportunity to reach the milestone of 200 goals as Bengaluru FC are all set to play Delhi Dynamos in the next round of ISL matches.
The match will be an opportunity for Chhetri to reach 200 goals as well as a chance for Bengaluru FC to make it two wins out of two in the ISL following their 2-0 victory over Mumbai City FC.
Author's take
Chhetri's importance to football in the country cannot be overstated and he has proven just why he continues to be the best ambassador for Indian football.