In a move that sent shockwaves through the Indian football community, Sunil Chhetri, the esteemed captain of India’s national football team, declared his retirement from international play on Thursday, marking the end of a remarkable career spanning over two decades.
Chhetri, revered for his scoring prowess, has etched his name in the annals of football history, boasting an impressive tally of 94 goals in 150 appearances for the Indian national team. His goal-scoring prowess places him among the elite ranks of football icons, trailing only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in active goal-scoring charts.
The 39-year-old football maestro, in a poignant video message shared on the social media platform X, revealed that his final international match would be the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6, a fitting farewell to his illustrious journey with the national team.
Speaking candidly about his decision, Chhetri expressed, “It’s not about fatigue or any specific reason. When the realization dawned upon me that this should be my final game, I deliberated deeply, and eventually arrived at this conclusion.”
Despite the significance of the impending match against Kuwait, Chhetri conveyed a sense of tranquility, acknowledging that it signifies the culmination of his storied tenure with the national squad.
Chhetri’s impact transcends the boundaries of the international arena, with a stellar record of 252 goals in 515 appearances across club and country, a testament to his unwavering consistency and striking prowess.
Tributes poured in from across the football fraternity following Chhetri’s retirement announcement, with Bengaluru FC, his Indian Super League club, lauding him as a towering figure in Indian football history, acknowledging his unwavering dedication and profound influence on the sport.
Football’s uphill battle for prominence in cricket-dominated India has long been a challenge, but Chhetri’s illustrious career has played a pivotal role in elevating the sport’s profile, positioning him as an inspirational figure for budding footballers nationwide.
Chhetri’s journey, which commenced in 2002, was marked by numerous hurdles, including missed opportunities such as the reported signing with Queens Park Rangers in 2009. Nevertheless, his resilience saw him through significant stints in the United States with the Kansas City Wizards and Portugal’s Sporting CP.
FIFA’s recognition of Chhetri’s contributions was underscored by the release of a documentary titled “Captain Fantastic” in 2022, which underscored his leadership qualities and profound impact on Indian football.
With Chhetri bidding adieu to international play, Indian football bids farewell to a legend whose legacy will serve as a perennial source of inspiration for generations to come, encapsulating the essence of determination and perseverance both on and off the field.
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