Sunil Chhetri Announces Retirement from Indian National Football Team

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement from international football, with the match against Kuwait on June 6 being his final game for India. Chhetri, in a heartfelt video on social media, shared the emotional journey leading to his decision, expressing both relief and sadness.

Reflecting on his career, Chhetri said, “When the instinct came that this should be my last game, I thought about it a lot, eventually I came to this decision.” He acknowledged the emotional difficulty, mentioning his family’s mixed reactions and his own nostalgic feelings.

Chhetri’s illustrious career includes 94 goals and over 150 appearances, making him India’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player. He ranks third among active international goal scorers, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

As India prepares to face Kuwait in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier, Chhetri remains focused yet unburdened by pressure. His announcement has sparked an outpouring of gratitude on social media, with fans using the hashtag “#HappyRetirementLegend” to celebrate his contributions.

Sunil Chhetri’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian football, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and excellence.