Indian Football Icon Sunil Chhetri Announces Retirement

Sunil Chhetri, India's football legend, has declared his decision to bid farewell to international football. His final appearance for the national team will be in the upcoming second round of the World Cup qualifiers against Kuwait on June 6, scheduled to take place at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

At 39 years old, Sunil Chhetri remains a cornerstone of Indian football, solidifying his status as the nation's greatest footballer. With an impressive record of 94 goals in 150 appearances for the national team, he stands as the fourth-highest international goal-scorer of all time.

I'd like to say something... pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV

— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024

The football legend shared the official announcement on his social media platform on X, posting a 10-minute video in which he discussed his decision to retire from international football.

His retirement will mark the conclusion of an illustrious career as the top goal-scorer for the nation, leaving a significant void in the team that has long depended on his skills. Even in his later years, he consistently contributed goals, making his departure deeply impactful for the squad.

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Chhetri addressed the future of Indian football, stressing the need to identify a new number 9 for the team. He pointed out that the current crop of players lacks a prominent striker, as none of them serve as the primary goal-scorer for their clubs. This, he noted, creates a significant gap within the current national team setup.

As he looks forward to his last match against Kuwait, Chhetri disclosed that he doesn't sense any pressure and is relishing every moment spent with the national team.

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