New Delhi: Indian forward Lallianzuala Chhangte on Sunday revealed how skipper Sunil Chhetri's words encouraged him up to ease the pressure on the landmark day of his football career.
Chhangte had scored a brace for the senior national team in his debut match against Nepal in the SAFF Suzuki Championship in 2015.
"I was a bit nervous playing alongside the legend, Sunil-Bhai. He's the best who I have played with until now. I was just a kid at that time. He probably realised that and called me when I replaced Sanju-Bhai at half-time. He kept his hand on my shoulder and that took the pressure off me," All India Football Federation's official website quoted Chhangte as saying.
"His words still ring in my ears whenever I hit the football ground. He said, 'When you are in our half, release the ball fast and try to maintain the shape. But, when you are in the attacking third, never be afraid to take risks. You have the potential. Just be yourself and play your natural game," he added.
After a glorifying debut, Chhangte had to wait more than two years to earn his first start for the Blue Tigers when the team flew to Dhaka, Bangladesh to participate in the next edition of the SAFF Suzuki Championship.
