Sunil Chhetri talks about his upcoming international retirement and emphasizes that it's not about him but about the team and their future.

The city of Kolkata was buzzing with excitement as the Indian football team geared up for their crucial FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait. All eyes were on the team's talismanic player, Sunil Chhetri, who had recently announced that this would be his last international match after a successful 19-year career.

However, Chhetri was quick to downplay the hype surrounding his retirement and instead, shifted the focus to the team's upcoming match. A win against Kuwait would almost guarantee India a spot in the third round of the World Cup, which was set to be held in USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.

"It's not about me and my last match," Chhetri stated in a press conference. "I don't want to keep talking about it. Our main goal is to win this game. It won't be easy, but we are prepared and we have the support of our fans."

The veteran striker, who had already made plans for his post-retirement life, joked about dressing up in suits and following the team to their future matches. "I talk to the boys every day and I remind them of our dream to qualify for the World Cup. The longer training camp has been beneficial for us as we come from different backgrounds. We have had more time to work on the details of our game," he added.

When asked if he would reconsider his retirement plans, Chhetri firmly stated that he was ready to hang up his boots and support the team as a fan. "I've thought about it a lot and I have no regrets. I've had an amazing journey in these 19 years and now, I will cheer for the team from the stands," he said.

The match against Kuwait held a lot of significance for the Indian team, especially after their disappointing loss against Afghanistan in their previous home leg tie. Head coach Igor Stimac acknowledged the challenge that lay ahead, saying, "We need to take care of our players as we are missing some key players. However, Kuwait impressed me with their performance against Qatar and we cannot underestimate them."

Despite the pressure and expectations, Stimac was confident in his team's preparation and reminded the players to enjoy the game. "Football is just a game and we should enjoy it. The result is not in our hands, we can only do our best and leave the rest to fate," he said.

As the team braced themselves for the crucial match, the entire nation stood behind them, hoping for a historic win. The stage was set for an intense battle on the field, with both teams eager to claim victory.

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