Sunil Chhetri, India’s football legend, announces retirement from international football after 19 years.Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has announced his retirement from international football after a legendary career spanning 19 years.Chhetri, India’s most decorated footballer with 94 goals, made the announcement through a video on social media platform X, mentioning that India’s upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifier game against Kuwait on June 6 will be his last.
Tributes have poured in from fellow athletes, including cricketer Virat Kohli, who praised Chhetri’s contribution to Indian sports and his emotional decision to retire.
Sunil Chhetri, India’s most decorated footballer with 94 goals, has announced his retirement from international football. The Indian football legend made this heartfelt decision through a video posted on his social media handles. His final match for the national team will be against Kuwait in the second round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, scheduled for June 6 at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Chhetri’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. Born in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, on August 3, 1984, he hails from a football-loving family. His father represented the Indian Army, and his mother, Sushila, played for Nepal’s national team alongside him. Throughout his 19-year international career, Chhetri has exemplified sheer hard work, passion, and professionalism. His versatility as a striker who could also double up as a winger, his ability to score crucial goals from headers despite his 5-foot-6-inch stature, and his commitment to defending corners set him apart from other players of his generation.
In his retirement announcement, Chhetri expressed mixed emotions. While he acknowledged that he would miss playing for his country, he also recognized that it was time to step back. His family’s reaction was intriguing: his father was relieved and happy, but it was his wife who shed tears, even though she had often expressed concern about the pressure and frequency of matches. Chhetri’s love and affection from fans in India have been unparalleled, making him a cherished figure in Indian football history.
As he prepares for his final game, Chhetri plans to savor every moment on the field. Despite the pressure to secure three points against Kuwait and qualify for the third round, he remains composed and focused. His legacy as a football icon will undoubtedly endure, and fans will forever remember his contributions to Indian football.
