'The match against Kuwait is my last': Sunil Chhetri announces retirement

Sunil Chhetri ranks third among active players in the list of international goal scorers, trailing behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement from the Indian national football team on Thursday. The Indian football legend said the match against Kuwait would be his final game in the national colours.

Sunil Chhetri announced the news in a video posted on his social media handles. He said that the game against Kuwait, part of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, would be his last. The match is scheduled to be played at the Salt Lake Stadium on June 6. India is currently second in Group A with four points, behind Qatar.

"When I decided that this was going to be my last game, I told my family about it. Dad was normal. He was relieved, happy, everything. It was my wife, strangely. I told her. 'You always used to bug me that there are too many games, there's too much pressure. Now I am telling you that I'm not going to play for my country anymore after this game.' Even they couldn't tell me why there were tears. It's not that I was feeling tired, not that I was feeling this or that. When the instinct came that this should be my last game, I thought about it a lot, eventually I came to this decision," he said.

 

I'd like to say something... pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV

— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024

"Will I be sad after this? Of course! Do I feel sad sometimes everyday because of this? Yes!" Sunil Chhetri added in the video. "Do I feel like I'll miss the train and there's just 20 days of training? Yes. It took time because the kid inside me never wants to stop being given a chance to play for his country," said Chhetri.

"I have practically lived the dream. Nothing comes close to playing for the country. So the kid kept fighting. But the mature inside knew that this was it. It wasn't easy," Sunil Chhetri said.

"Every training that I do with the national team, I'm just going to enjoy it. I don't feel that pressure. The game demands pressure. Against Kuwait, we need the three points to qualify for the third round. But in a strange way, I don't feel the pressure," he added.

Chhetri made his 150th appearance for India in March and scored on the occasion against Afghanistan in Guwahati. However, it ended in a 1-2 defeat.

Having debuted in 2005, Chhetri has scored 94 goals for the country. He will retire as India's all-time top scorer and most-capped player. He ranks third among active players in the list of international goal scorers, trailing behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

 

Sunil Chhetri retirement: ‘Happy Retirement Legend’ trends

The announcement of Chhetri's retirement has caused an outpouring of emotion on social media. Fans have flooded platforms with expressions of gratitude, thanking him for his contributions to the country. "#HappyRetirementLegend" captures the collective sentiment of a country proud of its football legend.

 

Sunil Chhetri will retire from men's international football with the 4th most goals ever! Only behind freaks Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi among active players.
Happy Retirement Legend. ????????

many memories in the blue jersey to savor. ????⚽ ????????❤️pic.twitter.com/U9S1KpJymg pic.twitter.com/ypD1EnBqt2

— Vishnu_Choudhary_007 (@VishnuDidel_007) May 16, 2024

Thank you for everything ????❤️
You played a vital role in my life ❤️
No one can replace you anyday anytime????
You are The Best.

Happy Retirement CAPTAIN LEADER LEGEND #SC11 #SunilChhetri https://t.co/wkA906FBoj

— Abhro Ghosh (@abhro_dreamer) May 16, 2024

It's hard to explain in words what Sunil Chhetri has meant to Indian football, particularly to those of us who started following football in the 90s... Thanks for everything, Sunil. You've been wonderful. https://t.co/5ufvCKhhLE

— Marcus Mergulhao (@MarcusMergulhao) May 16, 2024

Because of you I started watching Indian football. It's a very emotional moment for me. Thank you so much for everything Captain ????????❤️. https://t.co/UdTKvhC0Hr

— Vishal ????️ (@Vishal_FCB) May 16, 2024

Virat Kohli, BCCI join in to congratulate Sunil Chhetri

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted a heartfelt message on Chhetri’s retirement and hailed the him for being an icon not just for football but also for sports as a collective.

 

Your career has been nothing short of extraordinary and you have been a phenomenal icon for Indian football and Indian sports. Go well, Captain! #TeamIndia https://t.co/g2a0yXRv5i

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 16, 2024

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket icon and his friend, also commented on Chhetri's Instagram video, expressing his pride in his brother. He stated, "My Brother, PROUD."

India’s starting goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sadhu also reacted to the announcement on his social media where he wished that he could change Chhetri’s mind but also understands why he has taken the decision. He also called for the country to celebrate his immense career for the national side.
 

Never wanted to see this happen , i wish I could do something to change your mind but i also understand why it is happening bhai. The whole country needs to celebrate your International career on the 6th of June the way you deserve. My Captain https://t.co/L3Fd5buXk1

— Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (@GurpreetGK) May 16, 2024

The chairman of Mohun Bagan Super Giants, Sanjiv Goenka also posted a heartfelt note on his official handle on X where he said that Chhetri’s exploits have left an indelible mark on the sport and wished him the best on his next chapter in life.