Sunil Chhetri, the iconic figure of Indian football, has announced his retirement from international football after the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6. With this decision, Chhetri brings an end to a remarkable two-decade-long career marked by duty, pressure, and immense joy.
In a heartfelt video shared on his social media accounts, the 39-year-old reflected on his journey, expressing a mix of emotions as he approaches his final game for the national team. “The feel that I recollect in the last 19 years is a very nice combination of duty, pressure, and immense joy,” he remarked.
Despite his prolific career, Sunil Chhetri admitted to never dwelling on individual achievements or performances until now. He revealed that the realization of his impending retirement dawned on him in the past couple of months, leading him to cherish every moment with the team.
Sunil Chhetri emphasized his desire to savor every training session and match with the national team, especially the crucial encounter against Kuwait, which holds significance for India’s qualification hopes. Remarkably, he expressed a sense of calmness amidst the pressure, knowing that this would be his final stint with the team.
The veteran striker reached a milestone earlier this year when he made his 150th appearance for India, scoring against Afghanistan. Despite the loss in that game, Chhetri’s contribution further solidified his legacy as India’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player.
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Sunil Chhetri has 94 intl goals to his name :-
With 94 international goals to his name, Sunil Chhetri leaves behind a lasting impact on Indian football, earning recognition as one of the most prolific goal scorers in the world. His achievements place him third among active players, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the global goal-scoring charts.
As the football fraternity prepares to bid farewell to a legend, fans and admirers alike celebrate Sunil Chhetri’s illustrious career, filled with moments of brilliance and unwavering commitment to the sport. While his retirement marks the end of an era for Indian football, Chhetri’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.