Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri on Thursday announced his retirement from the national team. Chhetri, who has played 150 matches for the country and has scored 94 goals, took to X (previously Twitter) to announce that India’s next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier game against Kuwait on June 6th will his last game for the country.
End of an era
Chhetri on Thursday in a lengthy video reminisced about the first time he put on the national jersey and claimed that it wasn’t easy coming to this decision.
“Whenever I train with the national team, I don’t feel the pressure. Whereas this game demands pressure. We desperately need the three points against Kuwait to qualify to the next round but I really don’t feel the pressure. I don’t think I know any player who is loved more than me in my country than me,” Chhetri said in the video.
Chhetri’s accolades
Chhetri has been a rock for the Indian football team since making his debut in 2005. He has been the main striker for India for almost two decades, guiding the country to various trophies such as multiple Nehru Cups and SAFF Championships. However, his dream of taking India to the World Cup has remained unfulfilled. He has also received the Arjuna Award in 2011 and the Padma Shri in 2019.
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