In a historical moment for Indian football, Sunil Chhetri, the nation’s most celebrated footballer, has announced his retirement from international football. The upcoming FIFA World Cup qualification match against Kuwait will mark his final appearance for the Indian national team. This decision marks the end of a stellar career that has spanned nearly two decades, during which Chhetri has become a symbol of dedication, talent, and inspiration for countless fans and aspiring players.
Chhetri, aged 39, shared the news in an emotional video, revealing the deep contemplation that led to his decision. “It’s not that I was feeling tired,” he began, explaining that the choice to retire was more about an instinctive feeling rather than physical exhaustion. “When the instinct came that it should be my last game, I thought about it a lot. Eventually, I came to this decision.”
Reflecting on the mixed emotions accompanying this announcement, Chhetri admitted, “Will I be sad after this? Of course. Do I feel sad sometimes, every day because of this? Yes. Do I miss that after 20 days of training all of this will be gone? Yes. It’ll all be gone.”
Chhetri’s international career has been a journey of relentless effort, remarkable achievements, and emotional highs and lows. “You know, the feeling that I recollect in the last 19 years is a very nice combination between duty, pressure, and immense joy,” he said. “I never thought individually these are the many games that I played for the country. This is what I’ve done, good or bad. But now I did it.”
The forward has been the face of Indian football for nearly two decades, making history with his performances. As India’s leading goal-scorer, Chhetri has found the back of the net 94 times, a record that stands as a testament to his skill and consistency. He is also the most capped player in Indian football history, a milestone that underscores his significant contributions to the sport in India.
In the video, Chhetri also shared the personal side of his decision, recounting how he informed his family. “The moment I told myself first that this is the game that’s going to be my last, is when I started recollecting everything. It was so strange,” he said.
“When I did decide that this is going to be last, I told my mom, my dad, and my wife, my family first. My dad was normal. He was relieved, happy, everything. But my mom and my wife strangely started crying. I told them, you always used to bug me that there are too many games, there is too much pressure when you watch me. And now that I’m telling you that I’m not going to play for my country anymore after this game, even they couldn’t express to me why they burst into tears.”
Sunil Chhetri’s legacy is not just in the numbers and records he leaves behind, but in the inspiration he has provided to a generation of football fans and players in India. His journey from a young boy with a dream to the captain of the national team is a story of perseverance, hard work, and unwavering commitment to his craft.
Chhetri’s impact extends beyond the field. His leadership, both on and off the pitch, has been instrumental in the growth and popularity of football in India. He has been a role model, demonstrating that with determination and passion, Indian footballers can compete on the international stage.
As Chhetri prepares for his final international match against Kuwait, the Indian football community and fans worldwide are gearing up to celebrate and honor his illustrious career. The match is expected to be a momentous occasion, filled with emotion and tributes to the man who has given so much to Indian football.
In conclusion, Sunil Chhetri’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian football. His contributions to the sport have been immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. As he steps onto the field for the last time in the blue jersey, fans will undoubtedly reflect on the countless memories and moments of brilliance that Chhetri has provided over the years. His journey, filled with dedication, passion, and remarkable achievements, will forever be etched in the annals of Indian football history.
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