Sunil Chhetri treats us like younger brothers: Manvir Singh

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: He is considered as one of the most promising strikers of the country and Sunil Chhetri, the iconic footballer of India, also identified him as the future star of the national team. Manvir Singh, the striker of FC Goa, recently visited Guwahati to participate in the ISL match against NEUFC. During an interaction with The Sentinel, he shared his thought on the present Indian football and his future plan. Here is the excerpt.

The Sentinel (TS): Sunil Chhetri is highly impressed on your recent performance against Qatar in WC Qualifier. Your comment.

Manvir: Oh! He is a great footballer. Sunil ‘Bhai’ treats us just like younger brothers. He always guides us on or off the field. I should admit that I have learnt several things from him. It is obviously a proud moment for me.

(TS): You replaced Sunil during that game. Was there any pressure on you?

Manvir: Although I replaced him at this game but there was no pressure at all on me. I was just looking for an opportunity and when coach Stimac gave it to me I tried my best to grab it.

(TS): How is India shaping up under Igor Stimac?

Manvir: Stimac is a very good and very friendly coach. He is trying to give a new direction to the national team. I have no hesitation to say that he is one of the best coaches under whom I have ever trained.

(TS): Tell us about early days of your career?

Manvir: My father Kuldeep Singh was a footballer and he even represented teams like JCT and also participated in Santosh Trophy also for Punjab. So there was a football atmosphere in my house and it helped me to fall in love with the game quickly. Earlier I played for Minerva Punjab and Mohammedan Sporting before joining FC Goa.

(TS): How do you see the future of Indian football?

Manvir: We are improving. After the introduction of ISL the game witnessed several positive changes. Footballers are now more conscious of their diet, training schedule and other areas which are essential to improve skill.

(TS): There is an allegation that Indian strikers are not getting sufficient opportunities in ISL. Your reaction?

Manvir: I admit it. However, it depends on the coach who will come in the playing XI. My job is to play and whenever I will get the opportunity I will try my best to deliver.

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