Thanking everybody for being part of his wonderful 19-year journey in worldwide soccer, Sunil Chhetri was teary-eyed as his teammates gave the Indian soccer icon a guard of honour whereas a packed Salt Lake Stadium gave him a standing ovation. The 39-year-old talisman made his worldwide retirement after India had been held to a goalless draw with Kuwait in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match right here on Thursday. “Those that have watched within the video, those that have taken autographs, those that… are previous supporters, thanks all. These 19 years wouldn’t have been doable with out all of you and that's all I actually wish to say,” Chhetri stated on an emotional evening.
“Thanks very a lot to everybody current right here. I believe I’ll communicate from my coronary heart,” he stated, earlier than talking in Bengali, “Shobai bhalo thakben, shobai khushi thakben (Everybody please handle your self, please be joyful), and thanks, thanks very a lot.” He was additionally felicitated by the All India Soccer Federation after the match.
Chhetri thanked the huge crowd with folded fingers and retired because the participant with most objectives (94) after taking part in most matches (151) for India.
He’s additionally the fourth-highest goalscorer in worldwide soccer.
The ahead introduced his retirement from worldwide soccer final month.
Amongst his many achievements, Chhetri performed a key function in India's victories within the Nehru Cup in 2007, 2009 and 2012, demonstrating his outstanding talent and contribution to the workforce's success.
Other than this, he additionally helped India win the 2011, 2015, 2021 and 2023 SAFF Championships.
Chhetri scored a hat-trick within the closing of the 2008 AFC Problem Cup, serving to India qualify for the AFC Asian Cup for the primary time in 27 years.
(Apart from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is revealed from a syndicated feed.)
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