Following the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kuwait, Sunil Chhetri has officially declared his retirement from playing for the national team.
Sunil Chhetri declares retirement
The Indian men’s football team leader, Sunil Chhetri, shared his retirement plans from international football in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday. He stressed the importance of the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kuwait in Kolkata for the Blue Tigers.
The Indian men’s football team captain, Sunil Chhetri, revealed on Thursday that he will be making his last appearance in national colors during the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6.
On June 6, Chhetri will bid farewell to his 151st and final match for India at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
According to the Bengaluru FC striker in the video, the feeling he remembers from the last 19 years is a wonderful balance of obligation, stress, and happiness.
In the video, Chhetri acknowledged that the game against Kuwait held great significance for India, yet he reassured that he wasn’t overly anxious, given that it would mark his farewell in the Indian jersey.
Whenever I train with the national team, my main goal is to have a great time. The upcoming match against Kuwait is crucial, as we must secure three points to qualify for the next round. It means a lot to us and we’re determined to give it our all.
According to the striker, it’s strange, but they don’t feel pressured at all because these 15-20 days with the national team and the match against Kuwait mark the end.
Chhetri’s senior debut for India was in a friendly match against Pakistan in 2005 in Quetta. He took on the role of India’s captain in 2010. During his captaincy, India secured victories in the 2012 Nehru Cup, as well as clinching four SAFF Championships in 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023.
With an impressive record, this striker ranks fourth among the highest goal scorers in international football. He has successfully scored 94 goals in 150 appearances, trailing behind Lionel Messi (106 goals), Ali Daei (108 goals), and Cristiano Ronaldo (128 goals).
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