Sunil Chhetri Bids Farewell to International Football
Sunil Chhetri, the legendary Indian footballer, announced his retirement from the Indian national football team on Thursday. The 38-year-old striker revealed that his final game for India would be against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, set to take place at the Salt Lake Stadium on June 6. Chhetri made this announcement through a video posted on his social media accounts, where he reflected on his illustrious career and explained his decision.
In the heartfelt video, Chhetri described how he informed his family of his decision. While his father responded with relief and happiness, his wife had a more emotional reaction despite her previous concerns about the pressures of his career. Chhetri explained that his retirement decision wasn’t driven by physical fatigue but by an instinctual sense that it was the right time to step away. He admitted feeling a deep sense of sadness and nostalgia, revealing that the “kid inside him” never wanted to stop playing for his country, but the mature part of him knew it was time.
Sunil Chhetri emphasized the immense joy and pride he felt representing India, likening it to living a dream. Although the upcoming match against Kuwait is crucial for India’s qualification to the third round of the World Cup qualifiers, Chhetri noted that he no longer felt the usual pressure. Instead, he intended to enjoy every remaining moment of training and playing with the national team.
Chhetri’s career has been extraordinary. Since debuting for India in 2005, he has scored 94 goals in 150 appearances, making him India’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player. Among active international goal scorers, he ranks third, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. His contributions to Indian football have been immense, and his retirement announcement has sparked an outpouring of emotions on social media. Fans, fellow athletes, and notable figures have flooded platforms with messages of gratitude and admiration.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted a heartfelt tribute, celebrating Sunil Chhetri not just as a football icon but as a sports legend. Indian cricket star Virat Kohli, a close friend of Chhetri, expressed his pride and support in a touching Instagram comment. India’s starting goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, also reacted to the announcement, expressing his wish to change Chhetri’s mind while understanding and respecting his decision.
Sanjiv Goenka, chairman of Mohun Bagan Super Giants, praised Chhetri’s contributions to the sport and wished him well in his future endeavors. The hashtag “#HappyRetirementLegend” encapsulates the collective sentiment of a nation grateful for Chhetri’s dedication and achievements, celebrating the legacy of a true footballing great.
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