Sunil Chhetri Announces Retirement
Sunil Chhetri Announces Retirement: In a significant development for Indian football, the national team captain Sunil Chhetri has announced his retirement from international football. The announcement was made on Thursday, May 16, through a heartfelt video message shared on social media platform X. Chhetri revealed that he will retire after the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match against Kuwait on June 6, 2024.
A Glorious Career of Sunil Chhetri Comes to an End
Sunil Chhetri, aged 39, made his debut for India in 2005 and has since become one of the most iconic figures in Indian football. He recently celebrated his 150th match for India in a game against Afghanistan in Guwahati in March, where he also scored a goal. Despite his efforts, India lost that match 1-2.
Achievements and Records of Sunil Chhetri
Throughout his illustrious career, Sunil Chhetri has played 150 matches for the Indian national team, scoring 94 goals up until March 26, 2024. His contributions have been pivotal in many of India’s victories on the international stage. Chhetri stands as the fourth highest goal scorer in international football, trailing behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei, and Lionel Messi. Among active players, only Ronaldo and Messi have scored more goals than Chhetri.
Sunil Chhetri’s Emotional Farewell Video
In the nearly 10-minute long video message, Sunil Chhetri expressed his emotions about retiring and reflected on his journey. He fondly recalled his debut match and mentioned his first national team coach, Sukhwinder Singh, who gave him the opportunity to start. Chhetri described the feeling of wearing the national jersey for the first time as unforgettable.
Looking Ahead
As Sunil Chhetri retires, he emphasized the importance of the upcoming match against Kuwait. The game is crucial for India to secure three points to advance to the next round of the World Cup qualifiers. Chhetri also hinted that it is time for the next generation to take up the mantle, passing on the iconic “number nine” jersey.
Legacy in Indian and International Football
Sunil Chhetri’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian football. His impact on the sport extends beyond his goal-scoring records. He is the second highest goal scorer among Asian players in international football, only behind Iran’s Ali Daei. Chhetri’s dedication, leadership, and passion for the game have inspired countless young footballers in India and around the world.
Top International Goal Scorers
Here’s a look at the top goal scorers in international football:
| Footballer | Goals | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) | 128 | 206 |
| Ali Daei (Iran) | 108 | 148 |
| Lionel Messi (Argentina) | 106 | 180 |
| Sunil Chhetri (India) | 94 | 150 |
| Mokhtar Dahari (Malaysia) | 89 | 142 |
Sunil Chhetri’s retirement is a significant moment in the history of Indian football. His contributions to the sport will be remembered for generations to come. As he steps off the international stage, he leaves behind a legacy that has paved the way for future stars of Indian football.
Sources and references – Sunil Chhetri Retirement
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