The legendary Indian football player Sunil Chhetri has announced his retirement from international football, after an incredible career spanning over two decades. On June 6, the 39-year-old striker who has represented Indian football for almost 2 Decades played his farewell international game against Kuwait.

Sunil Chhetri
Image Source: m.rediff.com

Since making his debut in 2005, Chhetri has been essential for the Indian national team, going by the tag name "The General" due to his steadiness and leadership. He is now the third-highest active international goal scorer and the fourth-highest all-time with 94 goals scored for his country. Among his many achievements include 3 Nehru Cup victories, 2 SAFF Championship titles, and an AFC Challenge Cup victory in 2008 that enabled India to advance to the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.

In a video posted to his social media sites, Chhetri announced his retirement and thanked his supporters, coaches, and teammates. He made it clear that his gut told him that this should be his final game and not fatigue was the reason behind his retirement. Indian football has seen Chhetri as a dominant force, therefore his retirement will leave a major void in the squad.

In his tribute, The Indian football community coach Igor Stimac described Chhetri as "an inspiration to everyone" and a "legend while still playing." Chhetri's replacement as a captain, Bhaichung Bhutia, referred to his resignation as a "great loss for Indian football." Without its most decorated striker, Indian football has an uncertain future as Chhetri goes off into retirement.

The Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata hosted Chhetri's farewell game versus Kuwait, an appropriate location for a man who has contributed so much to Indian football. India's hopes of moving on to the next round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers hinged on the outcome of this encounter. India sought to become the first side from the AFC to advance to the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifying, hence the match had historical significance.

India was unable to break through Kuwait's defense, and the game finished in a goalless tie. When the final whistle blew, Sunil Chhetri broke down in tears, making that his most memorable memory from his farewell match versus Kuwait. Even though India's hopes of moving on to the next round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers were badly damaged by the disappointing 0-0 deadlock, Chhetri was overtaken with emotion as he completed his final lap of honor around Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium.

Chhetri has made 150 appearances to date, making him the most-capped player for India. Chhetri holds the record for the most hat-tricks scored for India in international matches. In 2021, Chhetri became the first football player to win India's greatest sporting recognition, the Khel Ratna Award.

For his exceptional services to Indian football, Chhetri was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2011 and the Padma Shri Award in 2019. As the first Indian athlete to play for clubs in Asia, Europe, and North America, Chhetri is the only player to have represented three continents.

The renowned football player's retirement signifies the end of an era for Indian football and has been crucial to India's success in international games. Generations of Indian football players have been inspired by Chhetri's commitment to the game, and his legacy will be honored for many years to come.

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