Six seasons ago in 2018, Sunil Chhetri put out an emotional video where he appealed to Indian football supporters to back the national team and fill the stadiums, leading to an overwhelming show of support. Fans obeyed their captain and "backed the Blues" and thronged wholeheartedly to the stadiums during the Intercontinental Cup in June.
On Thursday, the 39-year-old posted a video where he announced his international retirement. This time again in June, without any appeal, the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata will likely be packed to the rafters when the Indian captain takes the field for one last time in national team colours.
Chhetri: The Early Years
Born on Aug. 3, 1984, Chhetri made his professional football debut with Mohun Bagan in 2002 and went on to play for various other top clubs like JCT, East Bengal, Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC where he has scored over 140 goals. He also had stints away with Kansas City Wizards in the US and Portuguese giants Sporting CP.
The prolific striker made his international debut in 2005 and is both the all-time top scorer and most-capped player for India. He is the longest-serving national team captain and has scored 94 goals in 150 matches for the country.
The phases, the faces, the eras and battles - he's been the one constant through it all.
May 16, 2024
He's going to do it one last time, and we can never be grateful enough for the giant that walked amongst men. #SunilChhetri #ForeverChhetri ♾️ pic.twitter.com/ielMIFx77SStats Compared To The Best
Among goals scored for national teams, Chhetri ranks third in the overall list active international goal scorers — just behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
"You know all about Ronaldo and Messi, now get the definitive story of the third highest scoring active men's international," FIFA World Cup had posted on X in 2022, while sharing a documentary named Captain Fantastic — a three-part chronicle of the life and times of Chhetri.
The talismanic striker helped India win the 2007, 2009 and 2012 Nehru Cup and the SAFF Championship in 2011, 2015, 2021 and 2023. He led India to victory in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, which helped the team qualify for their first AFC Asian Cup in 27 years.
Retiring as a legend. ❤️
May 16, 2024Awards And Accolades
The forward was the AIFF Player of the Year for six times — 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018-19. He was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2011 and Khel Ratna Award in 2021.
After a disappointing AFC Asian Cup early this year, fans were calling for radical changes. In the video, Chhetri said to the fans who were thinking that he should retire: "I hope this make you happy". He also thanked the fans for all the love and affection for 19 years.
"Thank you, Sunil Chhetri, our captain, leader, and legend, for everything you've given to Indian football," Mariners' Base Camp - Ultras Mohun Bagan tweeted.
Alright then captain. One last time. 💙🇮🇳 https://t.co/NS5LqCkvI8
May 16, 2024After Bhaichung Bhutia hung up his boots, India looked up to Chhetri to fill in the shoes. Now, after his last match, the country will surely feel the void.
Chhetri's Lighter Side
Chhetri's love for food is well-known. Photos of him enjoying a traditional Bengali spread on Jamai Sasthi, a festival dedicated to sons-in-law, went viral on social media. He was also spotted indulging in phuchka at a roadside stall in Kolkata.
The footballer and his wife, Sonam Bhattacharya, welcomed a baby boy on Aug. 31 last year. Chhetri expressed that if his son were slightly older, he would have cherished the opportunity to walk with him during his final game in Kolkata as the city bids farewell to their 'jamai'.
"I would have loved for him to at least see what father did or the way he performed. Thankfully, unlike old times, there will be videos."
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