Sunil Chhetri, the renowned Indian football figure and leader of the national squad, revealed his intention to step down from international football on 6 June.

In a video shared on X, he mentioned that the upcoming India vs. Kuwait World Cup qualifying match would mark his final appearance on the field.

I’d like to say something… pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV

— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024

He said in the video that we should win the game and then we can leave happily, for everyone’s benefit, in one final match he is play against Kuwait.
Chhetri, aged 39, has represented his country for 19 years, scoring his first goal in his debut game in 2005.

He is one of the most renowned athletes in the country, known for promoting Indian football on a national and global scale in a culture focused mainly on cricket.

Currently, he ranks as the third-highest scorer of international goals among active footballers, trailing only Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

In a video posted on X, Chhetri looked back on the ups and downs of his lengthy career and shared his sorrow over his choice.

“The inner child will likely continue to strive to play football, but the wise, grown-up athlete and individual understands that this is the end,” he stated. “However, it was challenging,” he included.

Sunil Chettri Coach reveals the contract he was offered on debut

Sajid was the one who gave Chhetri his first club contract valued at Rs 6500, and the player quickly made an impact by earning the Emerging Player of the Year accolade in his debut season.

Sunil Chhetri, who was 16 years old at the time, was extremely happy when he received Rs 1000 as a token amount for signing his first contract with a club based in Delhi, according to his childhood coach Mohammad Sajid on Thursday.

Sajid informed PTI during a special meeting at Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi that Nageshwar Rao, a player from our City Football Club, helped set up my meeting with Sunil.

Chhetri continued to excel, becoming India’s top scorer with 94 goals out of 150 matches.
Watching him complete that level fills us with pride. He used to play for our team, and currently, he is ranked in the top three players for scoring the most goals in global soccer.

He has put in a lot of effort. Sajid mentioned that it is also a challenging job to play at that level for an extended period of time.

“End of an Era”

Many fans have been expressing their appreciation for X’s contribution to Indian football, with tributes flooding in.

The term “end of an era” is often used casually in sports, but in the case of Indian Football, it couldn’t be more fitting. One fan mentioned Sunil Chhetri’s retirement as captain, leader, and legend.

At the moment, he holds the third position in terms of international goals among current soccer players, behind only Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.

In a video shared on X, Chhetri reflected on the highs and lows of his extensive career and expressed regret over his decision.

“He mentioned that the inner child may still desire to engage in football, but the mature athlete and person comprehends that this marks the conclusion.” “It was difficult,” he added.

A large number of supporters have been showing their gratitude for X’s impact on Indian soccer, with tributes pouring in.

The phrase “end of an era” is frequently used informally in sports, but in the context of Indian Football, it is highly appropriate. A supporter commented on Sunil Chhetri stepping down as captain, leader, and legendary figure.

Virat Kohli and players reacts on the retirement

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

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a poignant tribute on Chhetri’s retirement, hailing the 39-year-old as an icon not only for football but also for sports as a whole.

“Your career has been nothing short of extraordinary and you have been a phenomenal icon for Indian football and Indian sports. Go well, Captain! #TeamIndia,” BCCI posted on X.

Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal wished Chhetri a happy retirement on X and wrote, “What a run you have had! Congratulations on an amazing career @chetrisunil11 Happy Retirement, legend.”