Indian Football Legend Sunil Chhetri Announces Retirement from International Football
In Short
- Sunil Chhetri is set to retire from international football in June
- Sunil Chhetri has played 145 games for India, scoring 93 goals
- Chhetri announced the decision via a video message on social media
On Thursday, Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri made a significant announcement, revealing his decision to retire from international football following India’s FIFA World Cup qualification match against Kuwait on June 6.
Chhetri, the national team captain, took to his social media platforms to share this pivotal moment with his fans and supporters.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Chhetri has left an indelible mark on Indian football, amassing an impressive record of 150 matches played and 94 goals scored for the national team.
His contributions to the sport have been nothing short of extraordinary, cementing his legacy as one of India’s greatest footballers.
Remarkably, Chhetri’s retirement announcement comes full circle, as he will bid farewell to international football in the city where it all began for him – Kolkata, the birthplace of his top-flight football career with Mohun Bagan.
Throughout his illustrious journey, Chhetri has emerged as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring footballers, earning the distinction of holding the most caps for India and ranking fourth in the list of all-time international goal scorers, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei.
Chhetri’s accolades extend beyond the pitch, as he has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Padma Shri in 2019, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, and the Khel Ratna Award in 2021, recognizing his exceptional contributions to Indian sports.
Reflecting on his memorable journey, Chhetri shared poignant anecdotes and heartfelt sentiments in a social media post, reminiscing about the unforgettable moments and experiences that defined his national team career.
From his debut match to his remarkable achievements on the field, Chhetri expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and the unwavering support of his family and fans.
Known for his remarkable goal-scoring prowess and unwavering commitment to fitness, Chhetri has been a role model and mentor to aspiring footballers across India.
His retirement marks the end of an era in Indian football, but his legacy will endure as a source of inspiration for generations to come.
As Chhetri prepares to hang up his boots and embark on a new chapter in his life, the Indian football fraternity pays tribute to a true legend whose passion, dedication, and resilience have left an indelible imprint on the sport and captured the hearts of millions.