India Football Team captain Sunil Chhetri announces his retirement from International football. A look back to his legacy spanning two decades.
“It’s been a very long day without you, my dear friend I’ll be sure to tell you about it when I meet you again’ the time has come to say that the Indian skipper has made the decision to retire from football. Captain Legend, Leader, Leader – Sunil Chhetri has made public his decision to leave International Football.
The most outstanding Indian footballer of the present to play football. A man who carries the weight of an entire squad on his back, define the work that Sunil Chhetri has performed for his nation. The 150 International cap appearances, which is the highest number of ever won by an Indian player is a testament to his endurance in the game.
However, as everything good comes at an end, that ultimate day has arrived. On the sunny morning of the 16th May Sunil Chhetri took to social media to announce he would be hanging up his boots. Chhetri will perform the honor of performing his Last Dance at the iconic Yuba Bharati Stadium when India face Kuwait for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Second round match.
The phases, the faces, the eras and battles – he’s been the one constant through it all.
He’s going to do it one last time, and we can never be grateful enough for the giant that walked amongst men. #SunilChhetri #ForeverChhetri ♾️ pic.twitter.com/ielMIFx77S
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) May 16, 2024
A unique, unmatched legacy!
At the age of 21 years old, Sunil Chhetri made his debut for the Blue Tigers. 12th June, to be exact, Sunil Chhetri made his National Team debut against Pakistan and then later scored his first goal at high level of the nation. It was the beginning of something wonderful or even more impressive. Today, with 150 caps to his name and scored 94 international goals for his nation.
The 94 goals he scored isn’t easy. He’s ranked 4th on the top ten International goals scored list, which is just ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo as well as Lionel Messi.
A journey that has lasted almost two decades is set to be over on June 6, 2024. It will be crucial for the Indian team if India is able to defeat Kuwait. In the previous game, India managed a goalless draw. However, the stage has been ready for the match against Chhetri. Last chance to win in the presence of more than 60 thousand screaming spectators.
I’d like to say something… pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024
Plethora of Accolades
It wasn’t an easy task to Sunil Chhetri to become ‘The Sunil Chhetri’. In the beginning of his job in Kolkata but he didn’t make an impression or leave a important mark with any or both of Kolkata Giants. Kolkata Giants. It is a common occurrence that you can be a top player if you excel in one of the teams, Mohun Bagan or East Bengal. Chhetri is the most likely one to reach the highest height, but not thriving in Kolkata.
It is evident how much he has done on the nation that he was deemed AIFF player of the year seven occasions. He was honoured for his work after winning his Arjuna award, Padma Shri and Khel Ratna prizes.
Sunil Chhetri won trophies for India
1. AFC Challenge Cup: 2008
2. SAFF Championship: 2011, 2015, 2021, 2023; runner-up: 2008, 2013
3. Nehru Cup: 2007, 2009, 2012
4. Intercontinental Cup: 2018, 2023
5. Tri-Nation Series: 2023
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