"So I decided that this is it.”
Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has announced that he will retire from international football on June 6, 2024.
In a video on X, he said India’s World Cup qualification match against Kuwait would be his last.
Chhetri said: “One last game… for all our sakes… let’s win the game and we can depart, happily.”
The 39-year-old has played for the national team for 19 years, having scored his first goal in his debut in 2005.
He is among India’s most celebrated athletes, credited with putting a spotlight on Indian football, nationally and internationally.
Currently, he is the third-highest scorer of international goals among active players, after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
In the lengthy video, Chhetri reminisced about the high and low points in his long career and expressed grief over his decision.
He added: “The kid inside will probably keep fighting to play football, but the sensible, mature player and person knows that this is it.
“But it wasn’t easy.
“There is one day that I never forget and remember it quite often is the first time I played for my country. Man, it was unbelievable.
“And the moment I told myself first, that yes, this is the game that is going to be my last, is when I started recollecting everything.
“Everything came, all the flashes came. So I decided that this is it.”
I'd like to say something… pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024
Tributes have been paid to Sunil Chhetri, with fans expressing their gratitude for his contribution to Indian football.
One said: “‘End of an era’ is sometimes used loosely in sport, but for Indian Football, doesn’t get truer than this.
“Sunil Chhetri – captain, leader, legend – announces retirement.”
Another said: “An all-time legend of Indian football.”
Virat Kohli said: “My brother. Proud.”
Dino Morea said: “We will miss his excellent footballing skills, and surely will miss watching him in the Indian squad.”
Fans and experts say that his longevity in international football, along with his work ethic, are the key factors behind Chhetri’s success.
In India, he has won several football awards, including the Arjuna Award – the country’s second-highest sporting award – and the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
On the global stage, Sunil Chhetri has led the team to victory in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup, the South Asian Football Federation Championship, the Intercontinental Cup and more.
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