Sunil Chhetri Announces Retirement: A Legendary Era in Indian Football Comes to an End

 

On June 6, Indian football legend and captain of the national team Sunil Chhetri declared his retirement from international football. He declared that India's World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait will be his last game in a video that was uploaded on X.

 

"One last game... for our sake... let's win the game, and we can depart happily," he added in the video.

 

Having represented his nation for 19 years, Chhetri, 39, scored his first goal in his maiden game in 2005. Among the most well-known players in the nation, he is recognized for having brought Indian football to the attention of a wider audience in a nation where cricket is the predominant sport.

 

Right now, he is the third-highest goal scorer for his country among active football players, behind Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Lionel Messi of Argentina.

 

In the nine minutes and fifty-one second video that was uploaded on X, Chhetri lamented his decision and thought back on the highs and lows of his lengthy career.

 

"The child inside might still struggle to play football, but the wise, mature player and person knows this is it," he stated. "But it wasn't easy."

 

Fans are thanking X for his achievements to Indian football and are showering him with tributes.

 

"The phrase 'end of an era' is sometimes used loosely in sports, but for Indian football, it couldn't be truer," remarked one fan. The legendary captain and skipper Sunil Chhetri has declared his retirement."

 

"The all-time legend of Indian football," wrote another.

 

Supporters and analysts agree that Chhetri's success may be attributed in large part to his work ethic and durability in the international football league.

 

He has received multiple football honors in India, including the Padma Shri, the nation's fourth-highest civilian honor, and the Arjuna Award, which is the nation's second-highest sports honor.

 

He has guided the squad to success in various international competitions, including the Intercontinental Cup, the South Asian Football Federation Championship, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup.

 

Distinguished for his stringent nutritional and exercise routine, Chhetri previously discussed his "small sacrifices" with a private news channel.

 

"It all depends on what I eat and how much I sleep. Given the good life I have been blessed with by God's grace, eating broccoli instead of biryani is no big deal - because I know there will be plenty of time for such indulgences once I finish playing," he explained.

 

One thing that will undoubtedly annoy players and supporters now that Chhetri has retired is, "After Chhetri, who?"