How Critics Made Lallianzuala Chhangte India’s Best | Soccer News

[ad_1]

PANAJI: Lallianzuala Chhangte is having fun like never before. On his way back from winning the SAFF Championship earlier this month, there was an in-flight announcement congratulating him on the spectacular triumph.

Outside the airport, hundreds of people gathered to welcome them, and Mizoram FA then organized a special program to congratulate their most famous player of the moment. Chhangte is not only the pride of Mizoram; he is officially India’s best footballer, having won the AIFF Player of the Year award.

If you add the Indian Super League (ISL) Golden Ball, only Sunil Chhetri among Indian players has the honor and best player award at the Tri-Nations Tournament in Manipur, the Mumbai City winger is on a dream run. We had an incredible season, an unforgettable season, I guess the best, individually and collectively, Chhangte told TOI in a video call from Bangkok where Mumbai has its pre-season. A few seasons ago, especially the last year with Chennaiyin FC, it was a season to forget. I struggled, people criticized a lot. This is the phase you have to face in order to move to a different level, to become a different person. Chhangte, 26, spent three years at Chennaiyin FC, and although he was a dangerous player on the wing, finishing wasn’t his greatest weapon. He received a lot of criticism but instead of sulking, the winger turned the tables. One thing I remember (during the fight) is the schedule. It was the same; eat the right food, wake up early, go to the gym, train more, every day. What I am now is the result of daily training habits. The most important is God’s blessing, he said. Chhangte first moved to Mumbai City on a short six-month loan deal and then said yes to a permanent three-year deal last June. Life hasn’t been the same for him since then, as evidenced by the 10 goals and six assists in the last edition of the ISL, making him the champion club’s most influential player. Coach Des (Buckingham) promised me that he would turn me into a different player and improve me, both as a footballer and as a human. Since the first day I joined, we have been collecting and analyzing data, Chhangte said.

[ad_2]