Captain Sunil chhetri has announced his decision to retire after from International Football after the country’s FIFA World Cup qualification match against Kuwait on 6th of June.He announced his decision via a video on his social media. Sunil Chhetri’s mother and wife burst into tears after knowing about his retirement announcement.
The FIFA World Cup qualification game against Kuwait on June 6 is going to be the football’s legend last match.
‘My brother, proud’: Virat Kohli leads messages to Sunil Chhetri after his retirement announcement.
Chhetri, who made his debut in 2005, has scored 94 goals for the country. He will leave the scene as India’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player.
Sunil Chhetri: Who is he
Sunil Chhetri is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a forward and captains both Indian Super League club Bengaluru and the India national team. He is known for his link-up play, goal scoring abilities, and leadership.
Sunil Chhetri stands as a beacon in the realm of Indian football, his contributions resonating both on and off the pitch. Born on August 3, 1984, in Secunderabad, India, Chhetri’s journey to becoming one of India’s most revered footballers has been nothing short of remarkable.
Chhetri’s Journey:
Sunil Chhetri’s football journey is an inspiring narrative of dedication, talent, and passion that has not only made him a legend in Indian football but also earned him recognition on the global stage.
Chhetri’s love for football ignited at a young age. Growing up, he honed his skills on the streets, playing with fervor and determination that would later define his career. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and he quickly rose through the ranks of youth football in India.
Chhetri’s breakthrough came when he joined the Mohun Bagan AC, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious football clubs, in 2002. His performances caught the eye of scouts, leading to a move to the JCT Mills Phagwara in 2005, where he continued to impress with his goal-scoring prowess.
However, it was his move to the East Bengal FC in 2008 that truly catapulted him into the limelight. Chhetri’s lethal finishing and leadership qualities made him a fan favorite, and he played a pivotal role in East Bengal’s success during his tenure.
Internationally, Chhetri made his debut for the Indian national team in 2005 and quickly established himself as a key player. He has since become the face of Indian football, breaking numerous records and leading the team with distinction.
In 2010, Chhetri made a bold move by joining Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting Kansas City) in Major League Soccer (MLS), becoming only the third Indian player to ply his trade in a top-flight European league. Although his stint in the MLS was brief, it was a significant milestone for Indian football and showcased Chhetri’s ambition to test himself against the best.
Chhetri’s most notable achievements came while representing Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League. He led Bengaluru FC to numerous titles, including the I-League championship and the Federation Cup. His performances earned him accolades such as the AIFF Player of the Year multiple times.
On the international stage, Chhetri’s leadership and goal-scoring exploits have been crucial for India. He surpassed Lionel Messi’s international goal tally in 2019, a testament to his skill and longevity in the game.
Off the field, Chhetri is known for his humility and dedication to the sport. He has been vocal about the need to develop football infrastructure in India and inspire the next generation of players.
Sunil Chhetri’s football journey embodies the resilience and determination required to succeed in the sport. His legacy extends beyond the pitch, inspiring millions of aspiring footballers in India and showcasing the potential of Indian football on the global stage.
- Early Beginnings: Born on August 3, 1984, in Secunderabad, India.
- Youth Development: Showed promise from a young age, honing his skills playing street football.
- Professional Debut: Started his professional career with Mohun Bagan AC in 2002.
- Breakthrough: Caught the eye of scouts and joined JCT Mills Phagwara in 2005.
- Rise to Prominence: Made a significant impact at East Bengal FC after joining them in 2008.
- International Debut: Represented the Indian national team for the first time in 2005.
- MLS Stint: Joined Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting Kansas City) in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2010.
- Club Success: Led Bengaluru FC to numerous titles in the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League.
- Individual Accolades: Won the AIFF Player of the Year award multiple times.
- Record Breaker: Surpassed Lionel Messi’s international goal tally in 2019.
- Off-Field Influence: Advocates for the development of football infrastructure in India.
- Legacy: An inspiration to millions of aspiring footballers in India and beyond.