Franco hails Chhetri’s crucial contribution

Dubai: Churchill Brothers defender Denzil Franco has hailed the contribution of Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri as a key factor in turning around the team’s fortunes on the way to their second I-League title.

Chhetri signed for Churchill Brothers during the winter transfer window in January and suddenly the Goan team’s fortunes started rising.

“Chhetri has been very influential. He scored when it mattered. His goals against Dempo and the equaliser against Mohun Bagan, which gave us the title, tells the story,” Franco said after the Varca-based team wrapped up the league.

“A player of his class is a bonus for any side and for us he has been a boon, especially after we lost Bilal [Najjarine] and Akram [Moghrabi].”

The defender, who signed from Salgaocar in 2010, sent in a cross and Chhetri headed home to hand Churchill Brothers a 1-1 draw against Mohun Bagan in the penultimate match of the I-League earlier this month.

Franco also said that the unity among the players and the presence of the coaching staff, led by technical director Subhash Bhowmick, were the other key reasons for his club’s success.

“It has been three fruitful years with Churchill Brothers for me. We have always been very consistent and this season we were the best. We are reaping the dividends of our hard work over the years. We have got bigger and better with time,” the defender said.

“The unity among the boys has been our secret. We have strived for glory unselfishly, with [owner] Churchill Alemao a pillar of strength.

“This triumph is a gift for the football buffs of Goa. The support has been fantastic and this is the best time for any youngster to get motivated.”