Sunil Chhetri announces retirement: Sunil Chhetri career and achievements

Indian football icon and captain of the national team, Sunil Chhetri, has announced his decision to retire from international football on 6 June.

In a video posted on X, he said that India’s World Cup qualification match against Kuwait would be his last game.

“One last game… for all our sakes…let’s win the game and we can depart, happily,” he said in the video.

Chhetri, 39, has played for the country for 19 years, having scored his first goal during his debut match in 2005.

He is among the country’s most celebrated players, credited with shining a spotlight on Indian football nationally and internationally, amidst a cricket-centric culture.

At the moment, Sunil Chhetri is the third-highest scorer of international goals among active footballers, behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

In a nine-minute-51-second video post on X, Chhetri looked back on the highs and lows of his long career and expressed sadness over his decision to retire.

“The kid inside will probably keep fighting to play football, but the sensible, mature player and person knows that this is it,” he said. “But it wasn’t easy,” he added.

Tributes have been pouring in on X, with many fans expressing their gratitude for his contributions to Indian football.

“‘End of an era’ is sometimes used loosely in sport, but for Indian Football, it doesn’t get truer than this. Sunil Chhetri – captain, leader, legend – announces retirement,” one fan said.

“An all-time legend of Indian football,” wrote another.

Fans and experts say his longevity in international football, along with his work ethic, are key factors behind Chhetri’s success.

In India, he has won several football awards, including the Arjuna Award, the country’s second-highest sporting award, and the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.

On the global stage, he has led the team to victory in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup, the South Asian Football Federation Championship, the Intercontinental Cup, and more.

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Sunil Chhetri retirement: ‘Happy Retirement Legend’ trends

The announcement of Chhetri’s retirement has caused an outpouring of emotion on social media. Fans have flooded platforms with expressions of gratitude, thanking him for his contributions to the country. “#HappyRetirementLegend” captures the collective sentiment of a country proud of its football legend

check also: Sunil Chhetri’s career and achievements.

Virat Kohli, BCCI joins in to congratulate Sunil Chhetri

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted a heartfelt message on Chhetri’s retirement and hailed him for being an icon not just for football but also for sports as a collective.

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket icon and his friend, also commented on Chhetri’s Instagram video, expressing his pride in his brother. He stated, “My Brother, PROUD.”

India’s starting goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sadhu also reacted to the announcement on his social media where he wished that he could change Chhetri’s mind but also understands why he has taken the decision. He also called for the country to celebrate his immense career for the national side.

check also: Sunil Chhetri’s career and achievements.

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