Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri arrived this evening at 19.55 local time in the Portuguese capital Lisbon after flying via Helsinki from New Delhi ahead of joining his new team mates at Sporting Clube de Portugal's 'B' team.

There was a massive interest from the local Portuguese media about Sunil's arrival with TV crews, radio stations, the written press and online publications at the arrivals area; all wanting to speak to Sunil with Sporting fans shouting slogans in their clubs name.

In the first statements on Portuguese soil as a green-and-white Sunil Chhetri said, "I am very proud. Sporting is one of the best clubs in the world and this is a big step in my career."

Sunil Chhetri did not hesitate when asked what the symbol and colours of Sporting Clube de Portugal are, "Symbol? A lion. The colours? Green and white." The striker said he was eager to start and assured, "I promise I'll give everything. This is a great opportunity for me!"

Sunil was led by Sporting's Directors to the SCP Academy where he will sleep tonight. Tomorrow morning Sunil will have to undergo the mandetory medical check-up and he would get a chance to rest in the afternoon. Sunil would participate in his first training session with his new team mates on Friday at the SCP training facilities and could play for SCP 'B' in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Ashok Rajgopal, the CEO of Football One, the company who made Sunil Chhetri's deal possible with Sporting Clube de Portugal will land in Lisbon tomorrow to follow Sunil's arrival in the Portuguese capital with his agent Yogesh Joshee also set to arrive over the day tomorrow.

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