Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri bid an emotional farewell to international football, drawing the curtains on his illustrious 19-year career. The 39-year-old striker, renowned for his remarkable contributions to the sport, played his final match for India against Kuwait in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday. The game, which ended in a 0-0 draw, was overshadowed by the poignant farewell that followed, leaving both fans and players in tears.
In front of a fervent crowd of over 58,000 at the Salt Lake Stadium, Chhetri took his last lap around the pitch, receiving a guard of honour from his teammates. As he made his way through the lined-up players, emotions overwhelmed him, and he broke down in tears. His teammates consoled him, and the crowd erupted in chants of “Sunil, Sunil,” and “Vande Mataram,” in recognition of his incredible service to Indian football.
Despite being a goalless draw, the match was packed with action and emotions. Sunil Chhetri, ever the warrior, sprinted past younger opponents and attempted to add to his record tally of 94 international goals. His best opportunity came in the 11th minute when Liston Colaco’s low cross was almost turned in by Chhetri, only for Kuwait’s Hasan Alanezi to make a crucial sliding clearance. Throughout the match, both teams created several chances but failed to convert, with India managing 15 shots to Kuwait’s 13.
Thankyou captain❤
Enough to make a man cry🥹🫶#SunilChetripic.twitter.com/3YHAQORZNL
— Anurag 🚩 (@Anuragx127) June 6, 2024
Sunil Chhetri Received An Emotional Farewell
As the final whistle blew, the crowd stood in unison, giving Chhetri a standing ovation. The stadium, adorned with tifos and banners celebrating Sunil Chhetri’s career, was a sea of blue jerseys, many bearing his iconic number 11. His parents, Kharga and Sushila, and his wife, Sonam Bhattacharya, were in attendance, adding to the emotional weight of the occasion.
The pre-match ceremony saw various dignitaries, including the AIFF president and the state sports minister, paying tribute to Sunil Chhetri. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a heartfelt social media post, expressed her admiration:
“Welcome Sunil Chhetri @chetrisunil11 to the beginning of a glorious new journey. You start a new phase of life today. You have been a golden boy of Bengal, Captain of the Indian football team, a sports icon of Asia, a globally adored scorer, a giant achiever. I am sure that you will continue to play, add to our glory, and achieve many more laurels for yourself and us. It is not a day of farewell for you. It is a day to renew your pledge to uphold the glory of your family, Bengal, and India further and further. Wish and pray for your future successes.”
Sunil Chhetri retires as the fourth-highest goal-scorer in men’s international football history, with 94 goals in 151 appearances. His career places him just behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei, and Lionel Messi. Sunil Chhetri’s debut came in 2005 against Pakistan, and over the years, he has inspired generations, becoming a symbol of perseverance and dedication in Indian football.
After the match, Sunil Chhetri took a final lap of honour, thanking the fans for their unwavering support. As he walked off the pitch, his teammates formed a guard of honour, a gesture that brought the entire stadium to its feet. Chhetri, visibly moved, paused on the sideline, unable to hold back his tears. The moment was captured in a poignant video that quickly went viral, highlighting the deep emotional connection between Chhetri and the fans.
While Chhetri’s international career has come to an end, his impact on Indian football will endure. His legacy is one of resilience, passion, and excellence, inspiring countless young footballers across the country. As he steps into the next phase of his life, the football community eagerly anticipates his continued contributions to the sport, whether in coaching, mentorship, or other capacities.
Sunil Chhetri’s farewell was not just a goodbye to a player but a celebration of a legend whose influence transcends the football pitch. As the stadium lights dimmed on his career, the spotlight on his legacy only grew brighter.
