Sunil Chhetri, the captain of India’s football team, has announced that he will no longer play international football. His last match will be against Kuwait on June 6 in Kolkata.
A Great Footballer
Sunil Chhetri has had an amazing career spanning 19 years. He has played 150 matches for India and scored 94 goals. He is one of the top goal scorers in international football, along with famous players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei, and Lionel Messi.
An Emotional Message
Sunil Chhetri made an emotional announcement on social media, saying, “I feel a mix of duty, pressure, and happiness when I think about my 19-year career.” He added, “I never thought I would play so many games for India, but I’m proud to have done so.”
Helping India Win
Sunil Chhetri has been instrumental in India’s success in several tournaments, including the Nehru Cup (2007, 2009, 2012) and the SAFF Championship (2011, 2015, 2021). He also helped India qualify for the AFC Asian Cup (2011) after a long wait of 27 years.
Leading the Team
Sunil Chhetri has been leading the Indian men’s team since 2012. He said, “I wasn’t feeling tired, but I felt it was time to say goodbye. I thought about it a lot and finally decided to retire.”
Many Awards
Sunil Chhetri has won the AIFF Player of the Year award seven times, with the latest award coming in 2021-22. He is also the most-capped football player of all time for the Indian national team.
Last Match
Sunil Chhetri’s last match will be against Kuwait on June 6 in Kolkata. India needs to win this match to stay in the competition for the World Cup Qualifiers Round 3.
Remembering the Past
Sunil Chhetri remembered his first international match against Pakistan in 2005 and his first goal on his senior debut. He said, “When I decided to retire, I started thinking about all the matches I played. It was a strange feeling.”
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Club Career
Sunil Chhetri has played for many clubs, including Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Dempo, Mumbai City FC, and Bengaluru FC. He has won many trophies, including the I-League (2014, 2016), ISL (2019), and Super Cup (2018).
International Success
Sunil Chhetri has had a remarkable international career, scoring 94 goals in 150 appearances. He is one of the top goal-scorers in international football and has led India to several victories.
A Legacy
Sunil Chhetri’s legacy is immense. He has inspired many young footballers in India and will always be remembered as one of the greatest footballers in Indian history.
What’s Next?
Sunil Chhetri will continue to play for his club, Bengaluru FC, and may take up coaching or other roles in football in the future. He will always be remembered as a hero of Indian football.
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