New Delhi: Sunil Chhetri, India’s revered football figure, declared his intention to retire from international football following the FIFA World Cup qualification match against Kuwait on June 6. Making the announcement via a video on his social media platforms, the national team captain reflects on his illustrious career, having participated in 150 matches for India and netting an impressive 94 goals over nearly two decades.

Notably, Chhetri will bid farewell to the sport in the city where he commenced his professional journey with Mohun Bagan, leaving behind a legacy as one of India’s most influential footballers, boasting the highest number of caps for the national team and ranking fourth globally for all-time international goals, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei.

Chhetri, who has led the senior football team to several laurels, was honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award in 2019 and the Khel Ratna Award in 2021.

I'd like to say something… pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV

— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024

In a poignant social media post, Sunil Chhetri reminisced about a pivotal moment in his career—the first time he played for his country. Reflecting on the unforgettable day, he vividly recalled the morning before the match, when his coach informed him that he would be starting. Overwhelmed with emotion, he sprayed perfume on his jersey, a gesture fueled by anticipation and excitement.

From the pre-match rituals to scoring his debut goal and conceding late in the game, that day remains etched in his memory as one of the highlights of his national team journey. Chhetri’s dedication to Indian football has been evident throughout his illustrious career, characterized by remarkable goal-scoring prowess and unwavering commitment to fitness.

As he prepares to bid farewell to the sport, he reflects on the mix of duty, pressure, and joy that defined his journey over the past 19 years. Making the decision to retire brought forth a flood of memories—every game, coach, teammate, and performance flashed before him. Sharing the news with his family elicited a range of emotions, particularly from his mother and wife, who were moved to tears at the realization that his time representing his country was coming to an end.

Despite not feeling tired or burdened, the instinctive decision to retire prompted deep reflection on his remarkable career and the countless moments that shaped it.