Sunil Chhetri announces retirement from International Football
Iconic Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri announced on Thursday that he will step down from playing for the country after the June 6 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Kuwait.
The national team captain announced his decision in a video shared on his social media handles. Chhetri has made 145 appearances for India, scoring 93 goals over a 20-year career.
Sunil Chhetri announces retirement 🇮🇳
many memories in the blue jersey to savor. 🏆⚽#SunilChhetri #PowerCorridors pic.twitter.com/s6iEmAURnt
— POWER CORRIDORS (@power_corridors) May 16, 2024
Chhetri looked emotional in his retirement video, during which he remembered his debut match. He remembered Sukhi Sir, who was his first national team coach. Chhetri remembered how Sukhi Sir came to him and told that you he is going to play for the country!
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“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. But the day before, the morning of the day, Sukhi sir, my first national team coach, in the morning he came to me and he’s like, you’re going to start? I can’t tell you how I was feeling man. I took my jersey, I sprayed some perfume on it, I have no idea why. So that day, everything that happened, once he told me, from breakfast to lunch and to the game and to my first goal in my debut, to conceding late 80th minute, that day is probably that I will never forget and is one of the best days of my national team journey,” Chhetri said in a video.
Chhetri’s Illustrious Career
Chhetri’s career began in 2002, with Mohun Bagan. His talent quickly soon earned him great reputation abroad, with successful stints with the Kansas City Wizards (2010) and Sporting CP reserves (2012).
Back in India, Chhetri played for prominent clubs such as East Bengal, Dempo, Mumbai City FC, and, most recently, Bengaluru FC. Chhetri actually thrived at Bengaluru, winning championships such as the I-League (2014, 2016), ISL (2019), and Super Cup (2018). He even took them to the AFC Cup final in 2016.
Chhetri’s journey in International football began with a bang in 2005 where he scored a solitary goal against Pakistan. Later, he went on to become the first Indian to secure a spot among the top 10 international goal scorers.
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Chhetri helped India win the 2007, 2009 and 2012 Nehru Cup, as well as the 2011, 2015, 2021 and 2023 SAFF Championship.
He is the third-highest international goalscorer among active players (fourth overall), behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and is also the most capped player and all-time top scorer for the India national team.
Awards and Honors
- In 2011, Chhetri was honored with Arjuna Award by the Government of India in recognition of his outstanding achievement in sports
- In 2019, he was honored with Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award
- In 2021, he was honored with Khel Ratna, highest sporting honour of India
