Sunil Chhetri, the celebrated Indian footballer, recently announced his retirement, expressing his deep appreciation for his time with the national team. Renowned for elevating Indian football standards, Chhetri has been an inspiration both nationally and internationally.
Through a heartfelt social media post, he revealed his decision to don the national jersey one last time in a match against Kuwait on June 6, marking the end of his remarkable 19-year-long career. Reflecting on his journey, Chhetri fondly recalled his debut for the national team, a moment filled with immense joy and pride.
I'd like to say something… pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024
His decision to retire was made after much contemplation, devoid of external influence, as he embraced a flood of memories from his illustrious career. Chhetri shared the emotional moment of informing his family about his retirement, witnessing their tearful reactions. Despite bidding farewell to international football, his passion for the game remains unwavering.
Chhetri’s legacy is deeply ingrained in Indian football history, highlighted by numerous accolades including the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Khel Ratna Award. With an impressive record of 94 goals in 150 matches, he stands as one of the most distinguished footballers, revered alongside global icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.