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Sunil Chhetri, Indian football team captain and the country’s most decorated player, announced that India’s upcoming qualifier against Kuwait on June 6 will be the last outing for the Blues. He announced this decision in a video on Platform X. He has been a name synonymous with Indian football, having a decorative career spanning over two decades.
Chhetri not only dominated the domestic leagues but also made his name on the international circuit. Coincidentally, he will play his last game in the city where he made his debut 19 years ago. The 39-year-old made his debut for the senior team in 2005 and went down as the most-capped Indian player with 150 appearances. He currently holds the third-most goals by an active player in the country behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
I'd like to say something… pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024
Speaking about the decision to retire, Chhetri said in the video,
“I never thought that these were the many games I would play for the country, good or bad, but now I did, but these last one and a half months I did. And this was very strange. I was probably going towards the decision that this game (against Kuwait) is going to be my last.”
The AIFF would be looking to give the stalwart a good farewell in the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. When asked about it, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey told RevSportz,
“There are few players without whom the sport is left poorer. Sunil Chhetri is one. We are fortunate to have had him play for India. And let me say it is not over yet. He still has to lead us against Kuwait and win it for us. So all I will say is let’s make the most fond farewell for Sunil and for Indian football. Wish him all the best for June 6 and beyond.”
India’s game against Kuwait is a must-win to stay in the World Cup Qualification Round 3 berth. Currently ranked second in Group A with four points from four games, India travels to face Qatar in their final group stage match. Only the top two teams progress.
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