JOIN USJSW net big fish Chhetri
JSW, the Bangalore based I-League football club that is to be launched on Saturday, have pulled off a major coup by signing up national team captain Sunil Chhetri.
This brings to an end months of speculation about the future of the star striker who had endured a very disappointing season with the ‘B’ team of Portuguese giants, Sporting Lisbon.
Chhetri had represented Churchill Brothers in the last season of the I-League on loan from the Portuguese club.
Chhetri said it was JSW’s vision that prompted him to sign for the new outfit.
“I met the people at JSW a few months ago and the first thing that struck me was the passion behind all the planning. I want to play for a club that’s clear about its vision and I saw that in JSW. I know I am coming from a champion team but that works as more motivation here,” said Chhetri.
The 28-year-old striker said he did not have too many expectations from the team in its first season in the I-League. “We need to think long term. We are a young team and we wouldn’t want to harbour high hopes. I’m not setting any targets but I’m sure we can achieve a lot of things if we stick together,’’ he added.
The Indian skipper, who has also played for Kansas City Wizards in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the US, also spoke about JSW’s status as a young team making its debut in the premier division of Indian football.
“I’m used to taking burdens and I’m going to give everything I am capable of, to this club. We’re going to need everyone – right from the ball boy to the owners – to be behind us at all times and I am sure we can repay their faith.”
Parth Jindal, CEO of the club, said they are delighted with the latest signing. “For someone of Sunil Chhetri’s calibre to join JSW says a lot about the club. Signing the national team captain is the best possible statement of where we want to take this club. We are very happy to have Sunil on board,’’ he added.