India captain Sunil Chhetri declared on Thursday his decision to retire from international football at the age of 39, culminating a remarkable career that spanned over twenty years and left an indelible mark on the sport in his country.
With 94 goals in 150 appearances for India, Chhetri stands as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in international football, trailing only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in active goal-scoring charts. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being India's most-capped player.
In a heartfelt video message shared on the social media platform X, Chhetri revealed that his final international match would be the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6.
Reflecting on his decision, Chhetri expressed, "It's not about fatigue or any specific reason. When the realisation dawned upon me that this should be my final game, I deliberated deeply, and eventually arrived at this conclusion."
Despite the significance of the upcoming match against Kuwait in the World Cup qualifier, Chhetri confessed to feeling a peculiar sense of calm, knowing that it marks the culmination of his journey with the national team.
Chhetri's impact extends beyond the international arena, with an impressive record of 252 goals in 515 appearances across club and country, showcasing his consistency and prowess as a striker.
As tributes poured in following his retirement announcement, Bengaluru FC, Chhetri's Indian Super League club, hailed him as a towering figure in Indian football history, acknowledging his unwavering dedication and influence on the sport.
Football's struggle to gain traction in India, a nation predominantly captivated by cricket, has been a longstanding challenge. Despite this, Chhetri's illustrious career has helped elevate the profile of the sport, earning him recognition as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring footballers across the country.
Chhetri's journey, which began in 2002, saw him navigate various challenges, including missed opportunities like the reported signing with the Queens Park Rangers in 2009. However, his resilience led him to significant stints in the United States with the Kansas City Wizards and Portugal's Sporting CP.
FIFA's acknowledgment of Chhetri's contributions came in the form of a documentary titled "Captain Fantastic" in 2022, highlighting his leadership and impact on Indian football.
With Chhetri's retirement, Indian football bids farewell to a legend whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, embodying the spirit of determination and perseverance on and off the field.
