“Started with instinct, grew in me slowly”: Sunil Chhetri on his decision to retire

Legendary Indian footballer and national team skipper Sunil Chhetri announced his decision to retire from international football on Thursday, stating that he believes it was the right choice.

Chhetri made the announcement on X, confirming that his final match for the Blue Tigers will be against Kuwait at the Salt Lake Stadium on June 6.

In an interview with AIFF, Chhetri revealed that the decision was made a month ago, driven by a growing instinct that it was time to conclude his international career. “It’s been a month. It started with a feeling and an instinct that it was time to call it a day. And it grew in me slowly and steadily every day. Finally, I reached this decision. And I think I made the right decision. This (match against Kuwait on June 6, 2024) is one of the biggest games of my career. It is hugely important for the National Team. So, hopefully, we will do well against Kuwait and should be there for the (World Cup Qualifiers) third round,” Chhetri said.

Reflecting on his 19-year journey with the national team, Chhetri described it as a dream come true. “It’s outstanding. It’s a dream. I don’t know where to start. But the synopsis is that it’s a beautiful dream. I think I’m highly, highly fortunate and privileged to be a part of the national team for 19 years. It’s outstanding to be able to participate and play for the country. This is something no one can take away from me. I’m grateful to everyone who has contributed. And I’m not trying to sound cliche, I genuinely mean it. That’s the feeling that I get,” he added.

Chhetri also shared that his family was initially shocked by his decision but eventually understood. “It was a mixed feeling. But when I did tell them, everyone understood. I believe my entire family is proud of whatever I have accomplished. I’ve done this for 19 years. They are immensely happy. I think it’s one of those things that everyone knew was coming. But when I told them, they were a little bit shocked but understood that I’m fighting my own battles inside. You don’t wish to stop playing for the country. But one day you have to and you will be fine,” he said.

Sunil Chhetri began his professional football career with Mohun Bagan in 2002. Throughout his illustrious career, he has helped India secure multiple titles, including the 2007, 2009, and 2012 Nehru Cup, and the 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023 SAFF Championships. He also led India to victory in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, qualifying the team for its first AFC Asian Cup in 27 years.

Chhetri’s achievements have been widely recognized, earning him the Arjuna Award in 2011, the Padma Shri in 2019, and the Khel Ratna Award in 2021, the highest sporting honor in India. Over his 19-year career, Chhetri has scored 94 goals in 150 international matches, making him the most-capped Indian footballer and the third-highest goal-scorer globally, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.