Sunil Chhetri : Inspirational Skipper , Peerless Striker , Legend Forever

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.

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.

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.

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 .