Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has announced that he will be hanging up his boots from international duty after the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kuwait.
The talismanic striker revealed his decision to retire from the national team in an emotional video message shared across his social media channels on Thursday.
In the heartfelt clip, Chhetri admitted that while the realization was difficult to grapple with, he knew the upcoming match against Kuwait on June 16th would be his final one representing India after an illustrious 18-year international career.
I’d like to say something… pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024
“When I decided this was going to be my last game, I told my family about it. My dad was relieved and happy with my decision. But strangely, it was my wife who couldn’t hold back her tears when I told her I wouldn’t play for my country anymore after this game,” the 38-year-old star recounted.
Chhetri confessed to a swirl of bittersweet emotions about bidding adieu to represent the nation he so passionately loves. “Will I be sad after this? Of course! Do I feel sad sometimes every day because of this decision? Yes! Do I feel like I’ll miss that adrenaline rush of representing India? Absolutely.”
“It took me time because that kid inside me never wanted to stop being given a chance to play for his country,” he continued. “I have practically lived the dream every footballer aspires for. Nothing comes close to pulling on that India jersey.”
However, the mature voice within ultimately convinced Chhetri that after nearly two decades, the time was finally right. “It wasn’t easy, but that pragmatic side knew that this had to be it.”
For his farewell international in front of the home fans, Chhetri intends to simply savor every moment rather than feeling weighed down by pressure.
“Every training with the national team now, I’ll just enjoy it without that burden. The Kuwait game demands a win for World Cup qualification, but strangely, I don’t feel that anxiety.”
Chhetri made his international debut way back in 2005 and has since amassed a record 94 goals in 150 appearances for India – numbers that rank him third among active international scorers behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
His last strike came in March against Afghanistan, albeit in a 1-2 defeat.
News of Chhetri’s imminent retirement has sparked an outpouring of emotions across Indian sports fraternities. Fans have flooded social media with heartfelt tributes using the hashtag “#HappyRetirementLegend” to honor his unparalleled legacy.
The BCCI led the way in lavishing praise, hailing Chhetri as “an icon of the game and inspiration for all athletes.” Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli simply commented “My brother, PROUD” on Chhetri’s video post.
From the football community, India’s goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh expressed his admiration while wishing he could change Chhetri’s mind. Mohun Bagan owner Sanjiv Goenka stated Chhetri’s feats “have left an indelible mark on Indian sports.”
As the outpouring of adulation displays, Sunil Chhetri’s lasting impact on Indian football simply cannot be overstated. While his retirement will undoubtedly leave a void, the country is united in celebrating one of its greatest-ever sporting icons.
