The world bid a last farewell to Sunil Chhetri on Thursday, with world governing physique FIFA and Croatian nice Luka Modric becoming a member of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar to make the Indian soccer icon's farewell actually worldwide. The 39-year-old retired as worldwide soccer's fourth-most profitable scorer with 94 objectives in 151 matches. It's an unbelievable achievement for a participant whose nation remains to be struggling to search out its place in world soccer.
In his final match within the blue jersey, India have been held to a goalless draw by Kuwait within the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
“After 19 years of service, goodbye, @chetrisunil11,” FIFA posted on X after the match at a packed Salt Lake Stadium.
After 19 years of service, farewell, @chetrisunil11, #WCQ , @indianfootball pic.twitter.com/mHuuJhvCid
– FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 6, 2024
The Asian Soccer Confederation (AFC) tweeted, “94 worldwide objectives. Carrying the hopes of a nation! Thanks to Asian soccer icon Sunil Chhetri.”
Congratulating Chhetri on his stellar profession, Indian cricket legend Tendulkar wrote on Twitter: “No aim is straightforward to realize. Not to mention 94 worldwide objectives. You may have held the flag excessive, Sunil Chhetri. Congratulations on a outstanding profession!”
It’s not simple to realize any aim.
Go away apart the 94 worldwide matches.You may have saved the flag excessive, Sunil Chhetri.
Congratulations on a outstanding profession! pic.twitter.com/K9QSkcg0e3— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 6, 2024
“To each soccer fan immediately. We are able to't substitute him. We are able to't,” Premier League India wrote on the social media platform. Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha additionally praised Chhetri for his illustrious profession.
“I feel what makes Sunil Chhetri nice is not only his objectives for India & his lengthy profession. It is usually his teamwork, never-say-die perspective, work ethic & management expertise. However most significantly, his exemplary behaviour. We’d like extra Sunil Chhetri's in Indian sports activities,” Rasquinha tweeted.
He mentioned, “After saying so many good issues about Chhetri, I’m actually apprehensive about Indian soccer. It was painful to play for 90 minutes. We have been gradual and disjointed, barely managed a shot on the Kuwaiti aim, struggled to place 4 passes collectively. The sport all of us love wants a variety of introspection.”
That evening, all of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises additionally paid tribute to Chhetri and known as him the king of Indian soccer.
Earlier, Croatia captain and Actual Madrid famous person Modric had praised Chhetri, calling him a “legend of the sport”, who ended his illustrious profession with the match towards Kuwait right here on Thursday.
“Hello Sunil, I simply wished to say hello and need you all one of the best in your final match for the nationwide crew,” Modric mentioned in a video message shared by Indian crew coach Igor Stimac. “Congratulations in your profession, you’re a legend of the sport and to your teammates, I hope you make their final match particular and unforgettable,” added the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner.
“Good luck to your captain and need you all one of the best for the win. All one of the best and greatest needs from Croatia,” added Modric, who was runner-up on the 2018 World Cup and can win bronze in 2022.
With 94 objectives, Chhetri ranks fourth on the listing of all-time high aim scorers in worldwide soccer, behind Cristiano Ronaldo (128), Ali Daei (108) and Lionel Messi (106).
(Aside from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is printed from a syndicated feed.)
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