The 39 year old captain of India announced his retirement from international football, capping a record-breaking 20-year career. After Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Chhetri is the third-highest active goal scorer in international history, with 94 goals. He has been the face of Indian football for almost fifteen years.
Sunil Chhetri Bids Farewell Via Twitter Video
I’d like to say something… pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024
In a video he shared on social media, Chhetri stated, “It wasn’t that I was feeling tired.” “When the instinct came to this should be my last game, I thought about it a lot and eventually I came to this decision. “Will I be sad after this? Of course, the kid inside me never wants to stop if given a chance to play for his country.” “It’s time for our country to see the next number nine.”
The Indian Team Stats
India, trailing Qatar by four points in qualifying Group A, will take on Kuwait. “The game against Kuwait demands pressure, we need the three points to qualify for the next round. It’s hugely important for us,” the skipper said.
“But in a strange way, I don’t feel the pressure because these 15-20 days with the national team and the match against Kuwait are the last,” he added.
In March, during India’s 2-1 World Cup qualification loss to Afghanistan, he scored a penalty.
Following the captain’s social media statement, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) showered the retiring player with accolades.
A Legacy To Remember
Since making his debut against Pakistan in 2005, Chhetri has participated in 150 international matches, making him the most-capped player in India. His goal total from 515 appearances, both club and national, is 252, or nearly a goal every two games.
Chhetri started playing football in 2002. 2009 saw rumors that he had signed for Queens Park Rangers of the English Championship, but he was unable to accept the offer since he couldn’t obtain a work permit. 2010 saw him sign with the Kansas City Wizards of the United States, and in 2012 he signed with Sporting CP of Portugal, where he was a member of the reserve team in the nation’s second level. FIFA honored Chhetri in 2022 with the release of the documentary “Captain Fantastic.”
Sunil Chhetri: The Constant Star
Igor Stimac, the coach of India, stated in January that Chhetri was free to pursue his profession for however long he desired. The Croatian stated, “We are not placing any pressure on him at all.”
Bengaluru FC, Chhetri’s Indian Super League team, called him a role model for the next generation. “He is an appropriate role model for many Indian children who aspire to play football.”
The phases, the faces, the eras and battles – he’s been the one constant through it all.
He’s going to do it one last time, and we can never be grateful enough for the giant that walked amongst men. #SunilChhetri #ForeverChhetri ♾️ pic.twitter.com/ielMIFx77S
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) May 16, 2024
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