'Who will replace you?': Igor Stimac's heartfelt wish to Sunil Chhetri on 39th birthday

Indian football will forever be indebted to Sunil Chhetri. The Indian skipper turned 39 on Wednesday but has looked completely fit and full of energy during India's recent SAFF Championship title. There have been severe rumours regarding his retirement but the player is still going strong and will likely lead the challenge in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup. 

3 things you need to know

• Sunil Chhetri turned 39 on Wednesday
• The Indian football team's skipper has been around for more than two decades
• Sunil will be seen playing in the upcoming Durand Cup tournament

Igor Stimac posts heartwarming wish for Sunil Chhetri

The Indian team recently has had a purple patch having lifted back to back titles in Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championship title. The Bengaluru FC forward who recently extended his stay with the club, played a pivotal role in both the tournaments. He seems to be sharing a very close relationship with the Indian football team's manager Igor Stimac. 

Also Read: Durand Cup 2023: Mohun Bagan to face Bangladesh Army in Kolkata

Stimac took to Twitter to dedicate a heartwarming post to his captain. The Croatian wrote, "While everyone was asking me who will replace you we were doing everything necessary to make yourself stronger and fitter than ever. It’s been an amazing 4 year journey my skipper and it will keep going on! Together until the final success! Happy birthday dear @chetrisunil11"

While everyone was asking me who will replace you we were doing everything necessary to make yourself stronger and fitter than ever.
It’s been an amazing 4 year journey my skipper and it will keep going on! Together until the final success! Happy birthday dear @chetrisunil11 ❤️🎉 pic.twitter.com/ziTfUEuowq

— Igor Štimac (@stimac_igor) August 3, 2023

Also Read: Mohun Bagan vs Bangladesh Army live streaming: How to watch Durand Cup 2023 in India?

Sunil Chhetri will lead the Indian team in Asian Games

Sunil has also been named in the squad for the Asian Games alongside Sandesh Jhingan and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu who will also travel to  Hangzhou for the upcoming Asian Games. Sunil currently has 92 goals as he is the third highest active goalscorer in international football only after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He will have a number of opportunities to bridge the gap with Messi who has 103 goals to his name.