Ryan Williams Celebrates Sunil Chhetri's Legacy in Indian Football
Williams Praises Chhetri's Impact
Ryan Williams has expressed his admiration for Sunil Chhetri, calling him a "legend of Indian football". He highlighted how Chhetri's winning mentality and discipline have greatly influenced him. Williams, who recently switched his nationality to represent India, described this transition as a culmination of his experiences in Australia, England, and India. Both players have been teammates at Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), where Chhetri played a pivotal role in Williams' decision to embrace Indian citizenship.
Chhetri's Legendary Status
In an interview, the 32-year-old Williams shared that playing alongside Chhetri has been an "amazing" experience. He noted Chhetri's relentless drive to improve and win, stating, "I knew Sunil before I came here; he is among the highest international goal scorers in history. His winning mentality sets him apart, and that's why he continues to excel and score goals."
Williams further emphasized Chhetri's professionalism and commitment to fitness, saying, "At 42, he is still competing at a high level. His dedication to maintaining his body and his unwavering confidence are qualities I've learned a lot from."
Adapting to Indian Culture
Since joining Bengaluru FC in 2023, Williams has been adjusting to life in India, including learning some Hindi. He admitted that while he understands a few words, he often struggles to follow full conversations among his teammates. "There have been countless humorous moments due to language barriers, and the dressing room atmosphere remains light-hearted," he remarked.
Williams mentioned that he might put more effort into learning Hindi, especially at his wife's suggestion, despite finding the accent challenging.
Inspiring Future Generations
Williams encouraged young Indian footballers to dream big and aspire to compete at the highest levels, including the FIFA World Cup. "I believe anything is possible. When I first received my passport, my goal was to be part of the first Indian national team to qualify for the World Cup, and that ambition remains," he stated.
He urged aspiring players to work hard, enjoy the game, and believe in their potential. "Dream big, and if you're talented, opportunities will arise. It's essential to enjoy the journey, as that will help you overcome challenges," he added.
Williams' Journey and Achievements
Originally from Australia, Ryan Williams played for several 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 before making his debut for the Indian national team, scoring just four minutes after coming on against Hong Kong in an AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier. This goal marked the fastest debut goal for the Indian men's national team.
Since joining Bengaluru FC, Williams has made 50 appearances in the ISL, netting 14 goals and providing four assists. In the ongoing season, he has played 16 matches, scoring three goals, and previously recorded seven goals and four assists in the 2024-25 season.