Sunil Chhetri applauds the crowd support after the match
After registering an emphatic win against Kenya by 3-0 in the Intercontinental Cup 2018, India football team captain Sunil Chhetri thanked his fans for turning out in numbers to support to the team at the Mumbai Football Arena on Monday. Courtesy this win, the team in blue maintained their dominance in the four-nation tournament.
Playing his 100th international match, captain Sunil Chhetri made the occasion even more special as he scored a brace to lead his team to a sensational victory. The hosts received great response as thousands of fans flocked at the stadium to show their love for the 'beautiful game'.
Chhetri took Twitter to thank his fans by saying "Indian team would give their lives on the pitch in every match, if they get the same support."
He tweeted "We promise you that if that's the kind of support we get every time we play for the country, we will give our lives on the pitch. India, this night was special because we were in this together. Those in the stands shouting, and the ones at home cheering - thank you!"
Chehhtri was ready to gave his all against the Kenya team and his penalty strike in the 68th minute added extra time, along with Jeje Lalpekhlua's 71st-minute strike enabled India to outmanoeuvre Kenya.
Earlier, Chhetri, ahead of the match, had made an emotional appeal to fans, requesting them to watch football and support the team in the ongoing Intercontinental Cup 2018.
In a video posted on Twitter, Chhetri appealed to those who are not die-hard football fans and said, "Today I am not making a video for you guys. I am gonna speak and appeal to all of you who did not come. To everyone who is not a football fan, please come and watch us for two reasons. No. 1, it's the best game in the world and No. 2, we play for our country. We will make sure that once you come to watch us, you will not return the same person back home. Please come and watch us."
The 33-year-old football star also urged all to criticise the Indian football team in order to help the players improve in every game.
Chhetri further requested the football fans to vociferously support the team saying, "Who knows, one day we might change you guys! You might start cheering for us."
On a related note, India will next take on New Zealand in their Intercontinental Cup match on June 7.
(With Agency Inputs)
