New Delhi

 “One of the primary reasons why I got the Khel Ratna award is because I have been playing for 19 years. I want to thank each one of the masseurs, physios and doctors. You superstars have been the main reason why I could be on the pitch. There have been so many times when I thought I couldn’t, but you guys made it possible for me,” Chhetri said in a statement issued by All India Football Federation. He also thanked all the clubs he played for, his teammates, the fans and his family.