HE COULD have signed for Ally McCoist after flying 5,500 miles around the world for a trial at Rangers.
And 13 years later, at the ripe old age of 40, he’s STILL showing Super Ally what he’s missing.
India thought they’d seen the last of living legend Sunil Chhetri and bid the striker a fond farewell[/caption]
He tried to win a contract with Rangers back in November 2011[/caption]
But the trial turned sour and both he and Jeje Laipekhlua returned to India[/caption]
Despite hanging up his boots last summer, Indian striker Sunil Chhetri was back on international duty this week, and back among the goals in a 3-0 win over The Maldives.
He even regained the captain’s armband for his big moment and his country’s second win in just two years.
It’s an honour the player known as the ‘Indian Messi’ and nicknamed ‘Captain Fantastic’ had 96 times prior – with a record 152 caps to his name.
But though he still boasts a record to be proud of, things could have been very different for Chhetri, had his trial in Glasgow gone better.
Or got off the ground at all.
He was one of two talents flown in for assessment in November 2011 – but the visit coincided with a match against Kilmarnock and friendly trip to Germany, which they were not part of.
So both he and Jeje Laipekhlua were left kicking their heels for most of their four day trip as the team played, prepared, recovered then flew to Hamburg.
Laipekhlua returned to Pune and later won the three league titles including one with ex-Aston Villa boss John Gregory and amassed 56 caps.
But that pales in comparison to his fellow trialist who won a similar tally of trophies – but almost 100 more international honours.
Chhetri’s latest outing is his 152nd cap and adds to his record as the country’s most capped player EVER.
He’s also the highest international scorer and has found the net more than any of his countrymen in all competitions.
Yet he couldn’t get a game for Rangers – or convince the management to take a longer look at him.
He explained: “On the first day they were preparing for a match the following day, so we couldn’t train.
“The second day was the match, then the third day they had to rest.
“On the fourth day the team left for a match in Hamburg and we couldn’t go.
“It was all a bit disappointing.
“It was the only week we had a break in our league, so our only chance to come and have a trial.
“I was disappointed I didn’t get much time with the first team – even the gaffer didn’t get much time to see us.”
Chhetri has earned 152 caps and now socred 95 goals[/caption]
He’s a legend in India with playing and scoring records[/caption]
McCoist said: “They showed some lovely touches and adapted to the different surroundings they experienced.
“We’ll keep monitoring their performances back home.
“They’re talented boys, it was a good experience for them and we enjoyed having them here.”
And while he may not have been bossed by Scottish strike legend McCoist – but he did work under Nicolas Anelka at Mumbai City in his illustrious career.
Rangers later dipped their toe in the Indian talent pool again in 2017 – announcing a partnership with Bangalore’s Gameday Arts Academy.
Chhetri’s big return was trailed across India and provides a big boost for the country’s Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on Monday.
His retirement last summer was a major moment for football in the country as his farewell fixture with Kenya sold out – and his fairytale return has rekindled his hero status once again.
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