McDowell Mohun Bagan striker Sunil Chhetri has been named All India Football Federation (AIFF) Player of the Year for the second time in his career.
The former Kansas City Wizards forward, currently injured with a ligament tear following the winning SAFF Championship campaign was picked from a shortlist of five players by I-League coaches. The award follows his 2007 crowning and sits beside his recently presented Arjuna title.
This year he featured most prominently in the Asian Cup, AFC Challenge and Fifa World Cup Qualifiers plus the SAFF Championship. At club level he represented Chirag United scoring seven in ten appearances and four goals in ten for Mohun Bagan. He also spent time on trial with Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers recently.
From 17 international appearances in 2011, Chhetri top-scored with 13 and in 20 club appearances he netted 11. At the recently concluded SAFF Championship in New Delhi he was also named Man of the Championship and top-scorer with seven.
Chhetri said: "It's the highest recognition for an Indian footballer and I'm honoured to receive the Award for the second time. At a time when I confined to my home with my plastered leg, this is perhaps, the best Christmas and New Year present. The Year started off well for me and ends in the best possible fashion.
"Football is a team game and none can survive or excel without the help of the other. I need to thank all my coaches, my teammates, the support staff for their co-operation and the fans. I can't just walk away with all the credit. I have learnt a lot from them and it's because of them, I feel, I'm on the verge of hitting my peak form."
Speaking of his injury, Chhetri added: "It's a Grade-two ligament tear on the left ankle and my plaster would be coming off on January 5. After that, it will be tentatively two weeks of rehab before I get back to action. Sitting idle at home is the most painful experience for a footballer. When you receive such an Award, you intend to hit the field immediately. But I'm helpless. That pains."
