On a night when India’s footballing legend Sunil Chhetri was the center of attention, an emotional moment unfolded as he chose not to attend the post-game conference. Instead, the Indian captain signed off in a manner that epitomized his class.
A Heartfelt Message to the Media
In a letter addressed to the media, Chhetri reflected on his 19-year career and his interactions with journalists. “To my friends from the media,” he began. “Over the last 19 years, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with so many of you, on more than a few occasions. There were times when I had to say a lot less than I would have liked to, and others when I responded to your questions with long monologues.
“There were the answers laced with frustration, the ones that were — much to your annoyance — non-committal, and then the press conferences that ended in a hurry. But through it all, I’d like to believe that I was always honest with you. And that I always chose to have a conversation with you, even if it risked making headlines for reasons beyond those that I would have liked,” Chhetri wrote.
A Fitting Farewell
Despite the disappointment of a goalless draw between India and Kuwait, Chhetri received a farewell befitting his legendary status. The crowd at Salt Lake Stadium rose to their feet, applauding and bowing down to the man who transformed Indian football. Chhetri took a lap around the stadium, applauding the fans, and received a guard of honour from his teammates. Overwhelmed with emotion, he broke down in tears before leaving the pitch.
Gratitude and Reflection
In his letter, Chhetri expressed his gratitude to the media for their role in his journey. “I wanted to — by way of this letter and this occasion- thank you for playing the role you did in telling my story. Thank you for the love and adulation you have shown me through your prose and photographs. But most importantly, thank you for the times you’ve been honest in your assessment of the way I’ve played or carried myself,” added India’s all-time top scorer.
A Storied Career Comes to an End
The game against Kuwait marked Chhetri’s 151st and final match for the national team, capping off a storied career that will be remembered with great fondness. Reflecting on his journey, Chhetri concluded, “You had, and will always have the best seats in the house. I just hope that over these 19 years, I made that experience just a little more special. Maybe I’ll join you in your dugout for a game or two. Signing off with gratitude, Sunil Chhetri.”
Sunil Chhetri’s farewell letter highlights his deep connection with the media and fans, underscoring the honesty and integrity he brought to his illustrious career. His final game and emotional send-off will be cherished memories for Indian football fans.
The Information is Collected from Yahoo Sports and ESPN.
