Sunil Chhetri’s era come to an end
Sunil Chhetri’s era come to an end. On 16th may Sunil Chhetri announced about his retirement, India’s world Cup qualifier match against Kuwait on 6th june will be his last game, after that he will be retired from international football. India’s Captain, Leader, Legend posted 9 minutes 50 seconds long video on social media about his retirement.
Sunil started his glorious journey on 12 june 2005 against Pakistan in Quetta. He played 150 matches for India, and took the captains responsibility for India in 87 matches. He is the first Indian footballer who scored 50 international goals. Sunil Chetri scored 441 goals, for his clubs he scored 134 goals, and for the National team 94 goals. Currently he is internationally 4th top goal scorer in the same row with Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi.
With lots of respect he won many awards , in 2011 he won Arjuna award, padma Shri in 2019 , khel Ratna award in 2021. He won AIFF Player Of The Year 6th time. Chhtri won SAFF 4 times, Hero Intercontinental Cup 2times and many more.
After knowing his decision about his retirement Indian National team’s coach Igor Stimac said “He knows best how he feels and when it’s the appropriate time to do things. I just wish we all do everything to make 6th June very memorable for him and all Indian football fans,” . The Croatian coach has works five years together with Sunil. AIFF President Mr. Kalyan Chaubey said, “To be honest, the announcement certainly came as a surprise to us. Somewhere inside, we probably were hoping that Sunil Chhetri would extend his career a bit longer. But with respect to the man, who has carried the nation’s dream for nearly two decades now, only he knows his body, the pain and joy he has endured. “One of the best strikers India has produced is at his peak with no weaknesses. Words cannot define his greatness on the field and even better human being to ever grace the game” , he said.
Padma Shri Oinam Bembem Devi former Indian women’s team captain said he is the inspiration for the Indian players and said “When I heard the news today morning, I felt a bit sad as I thought he could play for a few more years. I haven’t seen a player like Sunil Chhetri. His dedication, discipline, and hard work are second to none. We’ve always tried to set him as an example for all the girls in the women’s camp,” she said. “I wish Sunil all the best and hope he remains in great health and will be fit as always. He can now enjoy with his son and family.” Former Indian team player Jeje Lalpekhlua said “It’s difficult to think of Indian Football without Sunil Chhetri. Sunil Chhetri and Indian Football go hand in hand. “I remember when I went to the first national camp, I got injured and after recovery when I went again, Chhetri bhai was my roommate. He helped me a lot those days. I will badly miss watching him play,” he said. “I would like to thank him for giving so much to Indian football, for everything little thing he taught us, and of course for all the assists he gave me.” Sunil Chhetri’s club’s and national teammate goalkeeper Gurpreet Sandhu who spent most of the time together in the field of his career with Chhetri, he said “I am fortunate if I can claim that I spent the most amount of time in his international footballing career alongside him. I was lucky I got a senior, a big brother and a mentor like him through whom I learnt so much not just about football but life in general,” .”I was a little mad about why he’s doing this, it’s still too early,” revealed Gurpreet. “Maybe it’s my inner fear of not seeing him around the team when he leaves. I still think he can go on and on. But I support him no matter what.”
Sunil chhetri got his first international cap from former Indian coach Sukhwinder Singh. As per Chhetri’s decision his 19 years mesmerizing, glorious long journey come to an end, in kolkata on June 6. Every start has to an end. But India’s pride ,GOAT ( greatest of all time) Sunil Chhetri will always remain as a captain leader legend to our heart forever. He gave plenty glorious memories to us to remember.
