In a heartfelt video posted on social media, Indian football legend Sunil Chetri announced his decision to retire from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 20-year-long career.
The 39-year-old forward, who has been India’s football team captain for over a decade, expressed that the time had come for him to retire, with his final international appearance set to be against Kuwait on June 6 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Chhetri’s career has been a beacon of hope for Indian football amidst the country’s cricket-centric culture. Despite the lack of funding and attention to the sport, he has led India to several triumphs, including the Nehru Cup in 2007, 2009, and 2012, and the SAFF Championship in 2011, 2015, and 2021. His crucial contributions to India’s 2008 AFC Challenge Cup paved the way for their first appearance in the Asian Cup in 27 years.
Chhtri’s talent extended beyond India’s borders, earning him opportunities to play for the USA’s Kansas City Wizards and Portugal’s Sporting CP reserves. In his home country, he has represented prestigious clubs such as East Bengal, Dempo, Mumbai City FC, and currently, Bengaluru FC.
With 94 goals for India, Chhetri holds the record for the most goals and caps for the national team. He ranks third among active footballers in the list of highest international goal scorers, trailing only Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. His impressive record of 94 goals in 150 international matches, averaging almost a goal in every two outings, is a testament to his phenomenal skill and dedication to the sport.
Chhetri’s retirement announcement has ignited debate among Indian football fans regarding who will succeed him as team leader. This question has long haunted the football community, searching for a worthy successor to carry on Chhetri’s legacy. His leadership and contributions to Indian football have left an indelible mark on the game, inspiring millions of fans and young players.
Chhetri’s accolades include multiple awards with the senior football team. In 2019, he was honored with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India. In 2021, he was bestowed with India’s greatest sporting distinction, the Khel Ratna Award, by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. He was the first football player to receive this prestigious honor.
The news of Chhetri’s retirement sparked an outpouring of tributes from various sporting luminaries on Social Media. Legendary Indian cricketer Virat Kohli expressed his pride in an emotional comment on Chhetri’s post. Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra and PV Sindhu also paid their respects to the legendary footballer. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) commended Chhtri’s contribution to the sporting world, while the Indian Football Team lauded his achievements and his efforts in elevating the sport.
Chhetri’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian football. His unwavering commitment and dedication to the sport have left an indelible mark on the game, inspiring millions of fans and young players. As he prepares to take the field for the final time, Indian football fans will undoubtedly be filled with a mix of emotions – sadness at the end of an era, but also gratitude for the incredible journey they have been on with Chhetri at the helm.
In conclusion, Sunil Chhteri’s retirement is a significant moment in Indian football history. His legacy, marked by numerous firsts, will be indelibly etched in Indian football history. As he bids farewell to the international stage, Chhetri’s contributions to Indian football will always be remembered, as he put the sport on the global map and inspired countless aspiring footballers in the country.