Picture Credit: AIFF and Twitter/@chetrisunil11
Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri has tested positive for COVID-19. The 36-year-old shared the news on his official Twitter account and wrote, “I’ve tested positive for COVID-19. In better news, I feel fine as I continue my recovery from the virus and should be back on a football pitch soon. No better time to keep reminding everyone to continue taking all the safety precautions always.”
The striker just completed the ISL 2020-21 season with Bengaluru FC, who failed to make the semi-finals for the first time in their history. He finished the league phase as the top Indian goalscorer for the fourth season running. The veteran would have hoped to be the focal point of Indian attack in the upcoming international friendlies as he was named in preliminary squad announced by national team head coach Igor Stimac. India are set to play Oman on March 25 and UAE on March 29 in Dubai. But his participation is now in doubt owing to his positive COVID test.
Chhetri's announcement
Bengaluru FC also have their preliminary stage fixture in the AFC Cup 2021 against an undecided opponent on April 14. Chhetri personally had a good ISL season as he scored 8 goals and registered 2 assists in 20 appearances. He achieved two milestones during the season as he completed 200 appearances for the club and also scored his 100th goal for the Blues.