Sunil Chhetri has been an inspiration to the whole nation: Rahul Bheke

India’s defender Rahul Bheke believes Sunil Chhetri has been an inspiration to the whole nation. Chhetri has had a glorious career for the Blue Tigers, scoring 94 goals in 150 International caps.

The veteran is the fourth-highest goal-scorer in the history of International football after Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Al Daei. The Indian captain recently announced his retirement and he will play his last game for the national team against Kuwait on June 6 at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Sunil Chhetri played his first international match against Pakistan in 2005 and scored his maiden international goal on his senior debut and since then he hasn’t looked back. Chhetri has performed consistently for India at the top level and he has inspired a lot of young boys and girls to take up the sport.

“I still remember the first day I met him. We were in Mumbai, I think, back in the 2016-17 season, and played a five-a-side game. From that day till today, it’s been a great journey for us. We have shared countless victories and unforgettable memories. He’s been an inspiration to all of us,” Bheke recalled in an interview with the-aiff.com.

“He was the first person to give me a call when I got called for the national camp for the first time. I’m so happy to have shared the pitch with him, and I just want to thank him for all the memories and the lessons he has given to all the players and for being an inspiration to the whole nation,” he added.

Bheke recalled how he has shared a great bonhomie with Sunil Chhetri and how the veteran guides the young players.

Speaking about his captain’s guidance and camaraderie with him and his fellow teammates, Bheke remarked, “Yes, we share a lot of things off the field. We spend a lot of time together. Sometimes, we go out together. He talks to not just me but all the players about off-the-pitch stuff, things about life, what mistakes he’s done and what he’s learned. He guides players about their football careers.”

“His relationship with me has always been very good. Whether in the national camp or in the club. So he is, you know, like a big brother,” the defender further said.