May 16th 2024.
The football community in India was hit with a wave of sadness as news broke that Sunil Chhetri, one of the greatest players in Indian football, will be retiring after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 match against Kuwait on June 6th in Kolkata. This decision has left many in shock and has sparked a conversation among some of the biggest names in Indian football.
One of these names is Bhaichung Bhutia, who Chhetri looked up to and played under in his early days. Bhutia shared his thoughts on Chhetri's retirement, stating that he has made significant contributions to Indian football and his presence will be greatly missed. He also added that Chhetri's professionalism and dedication to the sport serves as an example for future generations.
Chhetri, who recently played his 150th match for India against Afghanistan in March, has been a key player for the national team since his debut in 2005. With 94 goals for the country, he holds the title of India's all-time top scorer and the most capped player for the national side. He is also the third highest scorer among active players, only behind global superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Kalyan Chaubey, the president of the All India Football Federation, expressed his gratitude for Chhetri's contributions to Indian football and stated that the team is lucky to have him. He also emphasized that Chhetri's retirement is not the end, as he still has one more match to lead the team and hopefully secure a victory against Kuwait.
Former teammate and renowned goalkeeper Subrata Paul also shared his thoughts on Chhetri's retirement, stating that he respects his decision and that they have been on the same side of the field many times, pushing each other to be better players. He wished Chhetri all the best for his future endeavors and looks forward to continuing their friendship off the field.
Mehtab Hussain, who played alongside Chhetri in many matches, reflected on their time together at Mohun Bagan, the oldest football club in India. He acknowledged that every player must eventually retire from the sport, and he is proud of Chhetri for the incredible heights he has achieved during his career. Mehtab also expressed his admiration for Chhetri as a friend and former teammate.
As the football community in India prepares to bid farewell to Sunil Chhetri, they will always remember him as an icon and legend who has made a significant impact on the sport in their country. His dedication, professionalism, and talent will continue to inspire future generations of Indian footballers. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
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