Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
New Delhi: India's SAFF Championship hero Sunil Chhetri, who is currently recovering from a tear in his ankle ligaments, has been named the AIFF (All India Football Federation) Player of the Year.
Chhetri, top scorer and MVP as India won the 2011 SAFF Championship in what was a huge fillip for their 2012 AFC Challenge Cup preparations, was selected as the year's best by the I-League coaches from a short-list of five players.
The Mohun Bagan striker, who scored 24 goals in 47 appearances for club and country this year, also won the AIFF award in 2007 and was also the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup MVP after helping India to victory in the continental tournament which qualified them for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.
"It's the highest recognition for an Indian footballer and I am honoured to receive the Award for the second time," Chhetri said in a press release through the Indian FA.
"At a time when I confined to my home with my plastered leg, this is perhaps the best Christmas and New Year present.
"Football is a team game and none can survive or excel without the help of the other," Chhetri, who has also been linked to Scottish club Rangers, said in thanking his team-mates.
"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."
Chhetri, who recently had a trial with Scottish champions Glasgow Rangers, added that his plaster will be coming off on January 5 after which he will begin two weeks of rehabilitation before getting back into training.
"Sitting idle at home is the most painful experience for a footballer. When you receive such an award, you [want] to hit the field immediately. But I'm helpless and that hurts the most."
India begin their 2012 AFC Challenge Cup campaign on March 9 when they face Tajikistan, in a repeat of the 2008 final which India won 4-1 courtesy of a Chhetri hat-trick.