“Managing injuries is crucial” - Jeje Lalpekhlua shares advice to aspiring footballers

Former Indian national football team striker Jeje Lalpekhlua has given a piece of advice for the aspiring Sunil Chhetris, stating that managing injuries is crucial. He feels some young player would fill Chhetri’s place in the national team.

Jeje was once hailed as the ‘next Sunil Chhetri.' However, his career was shortened due to persistent knee injuries. After playing alongside Chhetri in 2011, the Mizoram-born forward had an exceptional time, winning multiple matches and securing SAFF Championship titles together in 2011 and 2015.

“I had tried my best when I was young. I worked extremely hard to emulate his (Chhetri’s) game, but injuries held me back, disappointing Indian football fans who had high expectations from me. I hope the future brings young players who can fill in his boots,” Jeje Lalpekhlua told PTI.

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“To play long-term, you can’t take unnecessary risks” - Jeje Lalpekhlua for aspiring Sunil Chhetris

Furthermore, Jeje Lalpekhlua stated that he didn’t take his minor injuries seriously in the initial stages of his career. However, for being part of the game for a longer period of time, it’s important to be careful and never take risks as advised by Jeje.

“Managing injuries is crucial. In 2011, when I first played, the coach liked me, there were some minor injuries but I would never take them seriously,” said the 33-year-old former forward.

“But if you want to play for a longer period, you need to be careful and never take risks. Look at Sunil. To play long-term, you can’t take unnecessary risks. Once something serious happens, it becomes very difficult,” he stated.

Jeje, who has been a Member of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly since December 2023, mentioned a few players who can take up Sunil Chhetri’s mantle namely Edmund Lalrindika (Inter Kashi), David Lalhlansanga (Mohammedan Sporting) and Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia (Aizawl FC).

The trio from the I-League also caught the attention of Igor Stimac, the Indian team’s coach.

“The game is vast, and young players like Rahim, Manvir, David will have to work extremely hard. Especially last season, we had Edmund, David and Lalrinzuala who have impressed me the most,” Jeje went on to state.