Picture : AIFF/ X
It’s the news that has made Indian football fans sad . Mercurial striker and Skipper of the Indian football team , Sunil Chhetri has finally brought down curtains to his glorious 19 year career that began in 2005 .
The 39 -year old took to X to make an emotional message to his fans . The ace striker who has dazzled fans with his goal scoring hunger and longevity in this physical sport will bid adieu to the game after the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on June 6 in Kolkata. There cannot be better venue to end one’s career in football passionate city of joy – Kolkata in front of adoring fans. Who have witnessed the Chhetri magic umpteen number of times.
I’d like to say something… pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024
Not only Chhetri was a thorn in the opposite side defence for his goal – scoring ability , he inspired his team- mates to punch above their weight . In the pitch Chhetri was a sight to watch when in full flow with his powerful runs and very often catching the opposition defence napping .
And once inside the box he was consistent many a time clinched the winner with his characteristic style of goal scoring . He was striker feared by rivals and admired by team- mates. He was also a captain marvel and wore the armband with pride, passion and gave it all in 90 minutes for the country and which ever club he played for . Hundred percent commitment was his forte.
Sunil Chhetri: A glorious international career at a glance#IndianFootball ⚽️
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) May 16, 2024
And Lauding Chhetri for his sterling career was the player Bhaichung Bhutia, whose legacy Chhetri carried forward with great distinction. And Bhutia was in all praise for Chhetri when he in a tribute reportedly said, “The sheer hard work, passion, dedication and true professionalism, his focus and desire to get better every day is something which makes him different. As a young boy, he was always willing to learn and do everything possible (to excel). ” and Bhutia went on to add further , “Sunil has done a huge service for Indian football and his contribution is immense. It is a big loss for Indian football. He will go down as one of the greatest players India has ever produced.”
Indian cricket Superstar and King Kohli , Virat Kohli too heaped praise on Sunil Chhetri . Commenting on Chhetri’s video post on Instagram, Kohli wrote for his good friend: ‘My brother. Proud.’
AIFF on it’s X handle hailed Sunil Chhetri too with apt tributes to his astonishing career.
#ThankYouSC11 💙#IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/J5y4pew6Ee
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) May 16, 2024
Chhetri had a no mean career . And his feats , make him a giant . Not many know that his tally of 94 international goals in astonishing 150 games make him the third-highest active international scorer after Portugal Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentine Captain and Superstar Lionel Messi.
Besides his goal scoring prowess and having such a long career, Chhetri had his feet firmly on the ground . He was a Superstar who was cool, calm , unassuming making him perfect gentleman . It are these attributes that make Sunil Chhetri a legend forever and his place in pantheon of greats of Indian football .
Thank You Sunil for the wonder memories and giving us great joy with with your skill , determination and sheer passion for the game which is is truly the people’s game – Football .
