December 8, 2024: Sunil Chhetri’s decision to retire from international football has been a deeply emotional one, marked by a sense of both relief and difficulty. After an illustrious 19-year career, Chhetri announced his retirement in 2024, with his final match being a goalless draw against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Salt Lake Stadium on June 6.
Chhetri spoke candidly about the emotional toll of making the decision, explaining that it "hit" him a few days before his last match. He admitted that the decision was tough, but he had no regrets, acknowledging that he had made the right call for himself and for the team. The 40-year-old shared that the anticipation of the announcement was heavy on his mind, as he felt it was important to communicate his decision to his fans before his final game.
The emotional nature of the announcement was evident when Chhetri revealed that the video in which he declared his retirement was shot in a single take. The process was so raw and powerful that it moved everyone present, including the cameraman, to tears. Chhetri expressed that although the decision wasn’t easy, the sense of relief after the announcement was profound, even if the time leading up to his final match was filled with uncertainty and emotion.
Chhetri's legendary status in Indian football is unquestionable. His remarkable career, which began in 2002 at Mohun Bagan, saw him achieve numerous victories with the national team, including multiple SAFF Championships, Nehru Cups, and the historic 2008 AFC Challenge Cup. He also led India to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in 27 years. Chhetri’s 94 goals in 150 international appearances make him one of the top goal-scorers in international football, and his leadership, skill, and commitment to Indian football have earned him widespread recognition, including the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and the Khel Ratna Award.
Sunil Chhetri's retirement marks the end of an era in Indian football, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. His journey from a young, promising talent to a footballing icon is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport.
