Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, known for his exceptional skills and leadership, has announced his retirement from international football. At the age of 39, he made the announcement through a heartfelt video on social media, expressing his gratitude to fans and reminiscing about his memorable journey.
Throughout his illustrious career, Chhetri has been a prolific goal scorer, ranking among the top active players in the world. With 94 goals in 150 appearances for the Indian national team, he stands only behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the active goal-scoring charts. His club career has been equally impressive, with 252 goals in 515 appearances.
Chhetri’s contributions to Indian football have been widely recognized. In 2011, he received the Arjuna Award, followed by the Padma Shri in 2019, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. In 2021, he became the first footballer to be honored with the Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor.
Chhetri’s leadership qualities and dedication to the sport have inspired a generation of Indian footballers. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to shape the future of football in the country. The Indian football fraternity and fans alike will cherish the memories of his remarkable achievements and the unforgettable moments he created on the field.
