Guwahati, May 16: Indian football star Sunil Chhetri has announced his retirement from international football following India’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6. The captain of the national team conveyed this announcement through a heartfelt video shared across his social media platforms.
Chhetri, aged 39, commenced his international journey with a debut match against Pakistan on June 12, 2005, marking the occasion with his first international goal.
Over the years, he has amassed an impressive record, currently ranking third globally among active players for most international goals with 94 strikes in 150 matches. He stands behind Argentine sensation Lionel Messi (106 goals in 180 matches) and Portuguese maestro Cristiano Ronaldo (128 goals in 205 matches).
Not only is Chhetri the most capped player in Indian football, but he has also received numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career. He has been honoured with the AIFF Player of the Year award on six occasions and was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2011 and the Padma Shri in 2019.
“The feeling that I recollect in the last 19 years is a very nice combination of duty, pressure, and immense joy.” He further added, “I never thought individually these are the games I’ve played for the country, this is what I’ve done good, I’ve done bad. But, now I did it, this last one-and-a-half two months. It felt very strange. I did it because I was going towards the decision that the next game was going to be my last.” Chhetri said in a post in X, while reflecting on his career.
“Every training that I do with the national team, I just want to enjoy. The game against Kuwait demands pressure, we need the three points to qualify for the next round. It’s hugely important for us.” Chhetri shared, while highlighting his current mindset.
As India gears up for Chhetri’s final appearance in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month, the team currently holds the second position in Group A, trailing behind Qatar. Kuwait occupies the fourth position in the standings with 3 points.
