Ryan Williams Celebrates Sunil Chhetri's Legacy in Indian Football
Ryan Williams Praises Sunil Chhetri's Impact
In Bengaluru, Ryan Williams expressed his admiration for Sunil Chhetri, calling him a "legend of Indian football" and highlighting how Chhetri's winning mindset and discipline have motivated him.
Williams, who transitioned to represent India after previously playing for Australia and England, noted that his journey has been shaped by diverse experiences across these countries.
Having shared the field with Chhetri at Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), Williams acknowledged the veteran's influence on his decision to switch national allegiances after acquiring Indian citizenship.
Reflecting on his time with Chhetri, the 32-year-old described it as an "amazing" experience, emphasizing Chhetri's relentless drive to improve and succeed.
Williams remarked, "I was aware of Sunil's reputation as one of the highest international goal scorers. His winning mentality sets him apart, something I haven't encountered much in the UK or Australia. This determination is why he continues to excel and score goals. He is a true icon of Indian football."
He also commended Chhetri's professionalism and commitment to fitness, stating, "At 42, he is still competing at a high level, which is remarkable. I've learned a lot from his approach to maintaining his body and his unwavering confidence."
Since joining Bengaluru FC in 2023, Williams has been adapting to the local culture, including picking up some Hindi. He admitted that while he understands a few words, he often finds it challenging to follow all conversations among his teammates.
Williams shared that these language barriers often lead to humorous situations, contributing to a light-hearted atmosphere in the dressing room.
He mentioned, "There have been countless funny moments over the past three years related to language. I might consider putting more effort into learning Hindi, especially since my wife encourages me to do so."
Williams urged young Indian footballers to aspire for greatness, emphasizing the importance of believing in their potential to compete at the highest levels, including the FIFA World Cup.
He stated, "I believe anything is achievable. When I received my Indian passport, my primary goal was to be part of the first Indian national team to qualify for the World Cup, and that ambition remains."
Encouraging aspiring players, he said, "Dream big and aim to play in Europe. If you're talented enough, opportunities will arise. It's crucial to work hard and enjoy the game, as enjoyment fuels perseverance through challenges."
Williams believes young players can become role models for future generations, stating, "They can emulate Sunil Chhetri if they truly desire. However, they need to have faith in their abilities to reach such heights."
He concluded, "Believe in yourself, work diligently, and enjoy the journey. That's how I've reached my current position, and young players can have remarkable careers too. Why not aim to be the first Indian to play for Arsenal? If you set your sights high, you'll land among the clouds."
Originally from Australia, Ryan Williams played for various clubs in England, including Portsmouth and Fulham, before returning to the A-League and joining Bengaluru FC in 2023. He also played for Perth Glory in the 2022-23 season after several years in England.
Williams, whose mother hails from Mumbai, renounced his Australian citizenship to qualify for the Indian national team. He made a memorable debut for the Blue Tigers, scoring just four minutes after entering the match against Hong Kong in an AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier, marking the fastest goal by a debutant for the Indian men's national team.
Since signing with Bengaluru in 2023, Williams has made 50 appearances in the ISL, netting 14 goals and providing four assists. In the 2023-24 season, he played 16 matches, scoring three goals, followed by 22 appearances, seven goals, and four assists in 2024-25. In the 2025-26 season, he made 12 appearances and scored four goals.