The football fans are decking up to see Sunil Chhetri as the Indian football icon will be seen for the last time in national colours. Chhetri has announced that the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers clash will be his final game for the Blue Tigers as he rides into the sunset. Ahead of the pivotal clash, a lot of Sunil's teammates have been showering their applause for the striker, and Anirudh Thapa opened up on spending time with Chhetri in the National camp and how he has been a positive influence on the entire camp.

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Midfielder Anirudh Thapa hails the retiring Sunil Chhetri, says he is a true example for the youngsters

Anirudh Thapa was in interaction with the AIFF in Bhubaneswar as the team trained for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Before the team heads to Kolkata for the clash at the Salt Lake Stadium, Thapa offered his praise for Sunil Chhetri, saying that he has been an absolute motivation for all the youngsters in the camp.

"Over the past seven years, whenever I've been in the national camp, he's been the one everyone looks up to. He is an example-setter. He used to guide us through everything, tell us new things like how to stay fit, and what to do in your daily life. He has been a mentor for all," said Thapa.

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The Indian midfielder also asserted the importance of the upcoming clash at the Salt Lake Stadium, saying that it is not just crucial for Chhetri, but also for the Blue Tigers as they need to stand up to the moment for the Indian Football fans in order to break into the Qualifiers and compete against the big nations.

"It is an important match for all of us, and especially for Sunil bhai. We need to make sure that we qualify for the third round because that would be huge for Indian football and the fans. We're playing at the Salt Lake and the stadium will be fully packed. We all know how crazy the fans are and how much they love football there. We will give our best for the nation. We need to be at our best to get those three points," Thapa added.