PANAJI: Lallianzuala Chhangte is having the time of his life. On his way back home after winning the SAFF Championship early this month, there was an in-flight announcement congratulating him for the spectacular triumph.
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Outside the airport, hundreds gathered to welcome, and the Mizoram FA later held a special programme to felicitate their most famous player at the moment.
Chhangte is not just Mizoram’s pride; 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 have the honour – and the best player prize at the Tri-nation tournament in Manipur, the Mumbai City winger is on a dream run.
“We have had an amazing season, one to remember, I guess the best one, individually and collectively,” Chhangte told TOI on a video call from Bangkok where Mumbai are having their pre-season. “A few seasons ago, specially the last year with Chennaiyin FC, it was a season to forget. I struggled, people criticised a lot. This is the phase that you need to face in order to move to a different level, become a different person.”
Chhangte, 26, spent three years at Chennaiyin FC, and even though he was a dangerous player on the wings, finishing wasn’t his biggest weapon.
He came in for plenty of criticism, but instead of sulking, the winger turned it around.
“One thing I remember (during the struggle) is the schedule. It was the same; eating the right food, waking up early, going to the gym, training extra, every single day. What I am now is the result of everyday training habits. Most important is the blessing from God,” he said.
Chhangte initially moved to Mumbai City on a short six-month loan deal and then said yes to a permanent three-year agreement last June. Life hasn’t been the same for him since then, as evident from the 10 goals and six assists in the last edition of ISL, making him the most influential player at the champion club.
“Coach Des (Buckingham) promised me that he will build me into a different player and make be better, both as a footballer and a human. Since the first day I joined, we were collecting and analysing data,” said Chhangte.
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