Sunil Chhetri is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in India. Playing as a forward for the national team from 2005 to 2024, he became the country's all-time top goal-scorer and most-capped player. Internationally, he stands fourth on the list of all-time goal-scorers, behind legends like Messi, Ronaldo, and Daei. In Indian club football, Chhetri has been a star, representing teams like Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan, and Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League. Over his two-decade-long career, he has maintained exceptional fitness and performance, even into his late 30s. He retired from international football in June 2024. In this podcast with Smita Prakash, you'll see a new side of Sunil Chhetri. He talks openly about his struggles, why he chose football, the role his family played in his journey, and the importance of food and fitness in an athlete’s life. Chhetri also shares his thoughts on handling criticism on social media, his retirement plans, and his close friendship with Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. He even reveals whether he plans to enter politics after retirement. Don't miss this candid conversation with India's football legend, Sunil Chhetri, like you've never seen before! 00:00 - Introduction 02:06 - Childhood Memories from Delhi 08:04 - Growing Up: School Days in Delhi 11:52 - Why Chhetri Chose Football 15:33 - Getting into Mohun Bagan Club 21:40 - What Athletes Should Eat 26:25 - Chhetri's Love for Football 29:52 - Struggling in Foreign Clubs 36:05 - Good and Bad Days in Sports 37:59 - Experience Playing for Mohun Bagan 40:44 - How Football Fans Behave 45:29 - Handling Fans in Public 47:12 - Role of Money in Football 54:44 - Underprivileged Kids & Their Desire to Succeed in Sports 01:03:43 - Feeling After Scoring Against Pakistan 01:04:09 - Retirement Announcement 01:09:11 - Fans' Reactions During Matches 01:11:22 - Controversial Kick Against Kerala Blasters 01:14:38 - Dealing with Social Media Trolling 01:17:42 - Football Fans vs. Cricket Fans 01:20:40 - Does Chhetri Play Cricket? 01:21:38 - Common Traits Between Virat Kohli & Sunil Chhetri 01:24:17 - Feeling While Playing Against Pakistan 01:27:49 - Igor Stimac’s Astrologer Allegations 01:28:50 - Does Chhetri Believe in Astrology? 01:30:19 - Failures & Leading the Indian Football Team 01:35:11 - How India Can Beat the US & China in Sports 01:40:24 - Never Endorsing Gutka or Sugary Products 01:41:50 - Veg vs. Non-Veg Food in Sports 01:46:05 - Sleep, Food, and Timing 01:50:14 - Chhetri on His Son Becoming a Footballer 01:51:24 - Athletes Chhetri Admired 01:54:26 - School Days 01:57:39 - Peak Period of Career 02:00:37 - Plans After ISL & Joining Politics 02:03:57 - Benefits of Ice Baths 02:05:24 - Impact of Social Media Usage on Youngsters 02:07:07 - What After Ronaldo and Messi? 02:10:03 - Chhetri on Retirement 02:12:14 - Will Chhetri Become a Coach? 02:15:09 - Helping Underprivileged Kids in Sports 02:18:17 - Hard Work vs. Hunger vs. Talent in Sports 02:21:57 - Parents Watching Chhetri's Games 02:23:19 - Sledging in Football 02:27:55 - Role and Support of Family 02:31:56 - Why India Loves Chhetri