GOLDENBOY

In an exclusive interview with ELLE, Footballer Lallianzuala Chhangte shares insights on being at the top of his game

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With two trophies under his belt in two years, Mumbai City (MCFC) winger Lallianzuala Chhangte has lit up the Indian Super League (ISL) with his electric performances. Chhangte has 41 ISL goals and is now set to take centre stage in the national team. With the legendary Sunil Chhetri hanging up his boots, India needs another spearhead to lead from the front. And the 26-year-old from Mizoram is very much a contender.

Chhangte spoke to ELLE about Indian football and what it takes to be a champion.

ELLE: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, and Sunil Chhetri have long been celebrated icons in Indian football. You’ve emerged as a key figure alongside them in the past two seasons. How does it feel to inspire young football fans in India?

Lallianzuala Chhangte (LC): For my name to be mentioned alongside the likes of these players is a massive honour, considering they’ve been my idols. I’ve been following in the footsteps of these players and trying my best to do what they’ve been doing on the pitch. When I walk into the stadium and see young football fans cheering me on, I have a renewed drive to perform my best.