May 17th 2024.
Sunil Chhetri, the captain of the Indian football team, has recently announced his decision to retire after next month's World Cup qualifier against Kuwait. The 39-year-old player stated that this decision came from his gut feeling, and he plans to take a "sabbatical" after fulfilling his duties in the domestic league.
Chhetri, who holds the record for the highest number of goals scored by an Indian player with 94 strikes, will also leave behind a legacy of being the most-capped player for India. When asked about his retirement, he clarified that it is not due to any physical limitations as he is still fit and capable of playing. Instead, it is a mental decision, and he did not go into detail about the specifics of his mental health, which is a growing concern among athletes.
The football star further explained that he had been struggling with this decision for some time, and it just felt right to announce it now. After spending one more year with his current team, Bengaluru FC, he is unsure how long he will continue playing. However, he does plan on taking a break from the sport after that, which he refers to as a "sabbatical." When asked if he sees himself coaching in the future, Chhetri replied that he is open to the idea and will consider it during his break, but it is not his top priority at the moment.
Chhetri's contract with the Indian Super League side is set to end next year, and he mentioned consulting with India's coach Igor Stimac before making his decision. He also revealed that he had discussed it with star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, who is a close friend and understands him well.
All in all, Chhetri's retirement will mark the end of an era for Indian football, with him being the torchbearer of the sport after the retirement of the legendary Bhaichung Bhutia. As he embarks on a new journey, his fans and the sports community will surely miss his presence on the field.
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