I am not better than others, I am just too good-looking: Chhetri

India's forward Sunil Chhetri, one of the most notable and accomplished footballers in the sub-continent, draws a lot of attention for his scoring prowess both at the international and domestic levels. For the past 18 years, Chhetri has led the Indian side, scoring goal after goal. With five strikes from three matches so far, Chhetri is already leading the top scorers' list in the ongoing SAFF Championship. The Bangladeshi journalists, on assignments to cover the regional football extravaganza in Bengaluru, were able to get hold of the 38-year-year-old when the humble forward was on his way to the team bus at the mixed zone of Sree Kanteerava Stadium after India played out a 1-1 draw against Kuwait in their Group A encounter on Tuesday. The excerpts of the light-hearted conversation have been shared: 

Question: When fans refer to you as 'Immortal 11' [Chhetri's jersey number for club and country], how does it feel? 

Sunil Chhetri (SC): I don't take it seriously. I appreciate the love I get across the country, especially here [in Bengaluru, where Chhetri also plays his club football for Bengaluru FC]. This is my home ground. I really appreciate their love and I try to give my best with whatever I can do on the pitch. But I do not really take this matter seriously.

Question: How do you rate Bangladesh in the tournament?  

SC: We have seen some clips of Bangladesh. However, as they are not in our group, we haven't watched a lot of their matches. From what we have seen, I think they were really good in the first half against Lebanon [Bangladesh's first game of this SAFF edition]. They looked quite tough and have improved a lot. But we do not yet know who we are going to face, so we are waiting for tomorrow's result [between Bangladesh and Bhutan]. But once we know who we will face, we will watch more videos on them.

Question: You are playing like an 18-year-old boy even after being at the wrong end of 30. How do you do it?

SC: It is easier. When you are 38, you already know exactly what fails you. The mind is in the right place and you are more calm. So, [playing at] 38 is easy.

Question: Having scored against Kuwait, you matched the record of being the leading scorer in the SAFF Championship with Ali Ashfaq of Maldives. How do you feel?

SC: I don't think it is something to take seriously.

Question: Many footballers from Bangladesh follow you. Do you have any messages for them?

SC: Just try to improve and enjoy football. All of us, who play for our nations in this region, have the responsibility to be good role models, so just do better and try to be a better team player, except the time when you play against us. 

Question: How does the Indian Super League impact the fast-growing Indian football team?

SC: It is one of those important leagues we have in India. In the last eight years, it has done wonderful [things for the country's football]. It is one of the frontrunners in moving football across the country. It is not only the name, the money, or the energy [of the league], it is just the whole euphoria that it brings along to football. 

Question: How does Sunil maintain himself?

SC: I try to eat what I need and not what I want. I am happy and I surround myself with good people. I train hard. And I get so much love that I try to give back something. 

Question: Who is the toughest opponent in the subcontinent?

SC: A lot of teams are doing well. In the ongoing SAFF tournament, we played against Lebanon, who are a good side. We have played Bangladesh and they are always a difficult side. But Kuwait was a quite tough opponent.

Question: You have struck 92 goals from 140 matches for India. How fast do you want to make the century?

SC: I don't think about it. I am not trying to be arrogant or anything, but I don't take goals too seriously. Once when I am done in four, five, or six years, it will be nice to talk about it over burgers and beers. 

Question: It is often said India without Sunil Chhetri will struggle to score in the coming days. Your take on it?   

SC: I think it is not a true statement. Without me, they will do well. They have done well before. It is not about Sunil Chhetri, there are many players who are better than me, and many better players will come. There are many footballers who are doing well right now. I am just too good-looking, so people talk about me all the time. Otherwise, the team is better.