The longest serving player for the Blues is Chhetri, who joined as club captain when the team first started in 2013.
Digital Desk: Sunil Chhetri, a legendary figure in Indian football, on Monday signed a new one-year contract with Bengaluru FC, with an option for an additional year, just two months before his 39th birthday. After India's victory against Lebanon in the SAFF Championship semifinal on Saturday, the third-highest active goal scorer in the world Chhetri hoisted a banner at the Kanteerava Stadium here, announcing his choice to remain at the team with whom he has won seven titles.
"I've signed contracts with Bengaluru FC quite a few times, and I can tell you that each time, despite the fact that it is a formality, it always seems special. I am very thrilled that I will be staying here for two more years, after putting pen to paper, Chhetri said.
"The fans have played such an important role in our choice. There have been lucrative offers from some very fine clubs over the years, but the fact that I couldn't even consider accepting any of them made me realise the impact our supporters had on that decision."
The longest serving player for the Blues is Chhetri, who joined as club captain when the team first started in 2013. He has spent 10 seasons with the organisation.
He has won the I-League twice (in 2014 and 2016),
the Federation Cup twice (in 2015 and 2017), the Super Cup once (in 2018), the Indian Super League once (in 2019), and most recently the Durand Cup once (2022).
"We have such a strong affinity with this city, the club, and everyone associated with it. Being that is uncommon and special for a football player. I feel fortunate, appreciative, and joyful, and I hope that everyone connected to this family also appreciates this extension," Chhetri added.
Chhetri has played in almost 250 games for Bengaluru FC in all competitions, tallying 116 goals along the way. The talismanic forward scored the most goals for the team seven times.
"Sunil Chhetri's decision to extend his stay with the club is an incredible pleasure and privilege for us at Bengaluru FC. He has served as the club's ambassador and still serves in that capacity.
Parth Jindal, the owner of Bengaluru FC, said, "Sunil Chhetri and Bengaluru FC are inseparable in so many ways, and we're sure he will be at the end of many more memorable and successful moments with a team he's made his own."
The (Bengaluru), I'm going nowhere banner was hoisted on Saturday and came as a surprise to the Blues' supporters at the Kanteerava. Sunil Chhetri', and was followed by a video on the club's social media accounts.
"The news that Sunil has extended his contract with the team is excellent. He is an excellent example for all Indian players, both professionally and at the grassroots level, and the perfect role model on and off the field.
"He has demonstrated over the past few weeks with the national team that he still has the same kind of passion and determination. Simon Grayson, the Blues' coach, exclaimed, "I can't wait to start working with him again.
Chhetri, who is now the tournament's top scorer with five goals in four games while playing for India in the SAFF Championship, will face Kuwait in the championship game on Tuesday.
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