Sunil Chhetri takes massive decision ahead of India’s SAFF Cup Final

Sunil Chhetri, who has been a stalwart for India, revealed his decision to stay at the club by unveiling a banner at the Kanteerava Stadium after India’s win over Lebanon in the SAFF Championship semifinal on Saturday.

The banner wrote – “Bengaluru (in Kannada), I am going nowhere. Sunil Chhetri.”

The striker has penned a new one-year deal at the club, with the option of another additional year, which can be triggered from the club’s side.

“I have signed a Bengaluru FC contract a fair few times, and what I can tell you is that it always feels special, even when it probably should not, given it is a formality. I am so happy that I will be spending two more years here. The fans have been such a vital factor in this decision,” Chhetri said.

“Over the years, there have been some generous offers from some very good clubs, but the fact that I couldn’t even think of going anywhere made me realize the influence our fans have had on that decision,” Chhetri added after the deal was announced.

ನಿಮ್ಮ ರಾಜನು ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ್ದಾನೆ. ????

Written on Blue and bound by it. ????#WeAreBFC #SC11 #KingOfKanteerava pic.twitter.com/ZybgGHSH5L

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) July 1, 2023

The Indian captain joined Bengaluru in 2013, and since has been a mainstay at the club. He lifted ISL in 2019 and won the Durand Cup last year. The striker also won the I-League twice in 2014 and 2016, and lifted the Federation Cup twice as well (2015, 2017).

“It is an absolute honour and privilege for us at Bengaluru FC that Sunil Chhetri has chosen to extend his stay with the club. He has been the face of this football club, and continues to be its flag bearer,” the BFC owner Parth Jindal said.

During his stay so far, Chhetri has featured over 250 times for Bengaluru across all competitions, netting 116 goals in them. The striker, who turns 39 this August, is currently on India duty and will be hoping to lift the SAFF Championship as the Blue Tigers play Kuwait in the Final.