Sunil Chhetri Quits Football: India’s top goal scorer and most capped player is stepping down, declaring it’s time for the nation to embrace “the next number nine.” In a heartfelt video, he bids farewell to international football.
After two decades of making history, India’s captain, Sunil Chhetri, is hanging up his boots on the international stage.
Sunil Chhetri, India’s top goal scorer, will call it quits after the World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6, as announced by the 39-year-old on Thursday.
Sunil Chhetri has been the shining star of Indian football for almost fifteen years, with his 94 international goals placing him as the third-highest active international goal scorer, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
“I wasn’t feeling worn out,” Sunil Chhetri shared in a video on social media.
“When the feeling hit me that this might be my final match, I pondered on it deeply, and after much thought, I arrived at this decision.”
“Will I feel sad afterward? Definitely… the little kid in me never wants to stop playing for his country if given the chance.”
“It’s time for our country to welcome the next number nine.”
India faces Kuwait while sitting in second place in qualifying Group A with four points, trailing behind Qatar.
“The match against Kuwait puts pressure on us; we must secure the three points to advance to the next round. It’s incredibly important for our team,” the captain emphasized.
“But in a strange way, I don’t sense the pressure because these 15-20 days with the national team and the match against Kuwait mark the end,” he elaborated.
He netted a penalty in India’s latest match, a 2-1 loss to Afghanistan in World Cup qualifying back in March.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) showered praise on the retiring captain after he made his announcement on social media.
“Your impact, both on and off the field, will forever be cherished,” AIFF expressed in a post on X.
“Thank you, @chetrisunil11, for your outstanding leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to Indian football.”
Football has faced challenges in gaining traction among India’s 1.4 billion population, where the sport’s local fanbase is overshadowed by the country’s enduring cricket craze.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter famously referred to India as a “sleeping giant” in the world of sports.
India is currently ranked 121st, just below Lebanon, which has a population of 5.5 million.
Sunil Chhetri Quits? International Football
Chhetri holds the record for the most international appearances for India, having played 150 matches since his debut against Pakistan in 2005.
Combining his performances for both club and country, he has scored 252 goals in 515 appearances, averaging nearly a goal every two games.
Chhetri kicked off his football journey in 2002. In 2009, there was buzz that he’d signed with English Championship team Queens Park Rangers. Unfortunately, he couldn’t join them due to a work permit snag.
In 2010, he made a move to the United States, joining the Kansas City Wizards. Then, in 2012, he ventured to Portugal, signing with Sporting CP. There, he played for the reserves in the country’s second division.
In 2022, FIFA paid tribute to Chhetri with a documentary called “Captain Fantastic.”
India coach Igor Stimac said in January that Chhetri was welcome to continue his career for as long as he chose.
“We’re not adding any pressure on him at all,” the Croatian stated.
Chhetri’s Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC hailed him as a role model for the next generation.
“He’s a true inspiration for countless Indian kids who dream of becoming football players.”
“Bengaluru FC reflected on X that he’s been the one consistent presence through all the phases, faces, eras, and battles.”
“He’s going to give it his all one last time, and we can never thank him enough for the legend he’s been.”
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