Sunil Chhetri announced retirement: Virat Kohli, BCCI and netizens congratulate him for international career

Indian football team captain, Sunil Chhetri has announced his retirement from the international game. The 39-year-old announced that the second round of the World Cup qualifiers against Kuwait on June 6, to be held at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, will mark his final appearance for the national team.

In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, Chhetri reflected on his journey, expressing his fondness for the Indian jersey and recalling the excitement of his unforgettable debut for the national team. With a mixture of emotions, he described the rollercoaster ride of representing his country for 19 years.

Ishant Sharma Reveals The Special Bond With Ricky Ponting

Chhetri revealed the surreal feeling of reaching the end of his career and affirmed his decision to retire after the upcoming match against Kuwait.

“You know the feeling that I recollect in the last 19 years is a very nice combination of duty pressure and immense joy. I never thought individually, ‘These are the many games that I’ve played for the country, this is what I’ve done, good or bad,’ but now I did it. This last one and a half, two months, I did it and it was very strange. I did it because probably I was going towards the decision that this game, this next game is going to be my last,” Chhetri said.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sunil Chhetri (@chetri_sunil11)

Virat Kohli’s Heartfelt Message for Chhetri

After Chhetri’s announcement, numerous celebrities and sports personalities extended their heartfelt wishes and expressed pride in his extraordinary career. Former Indian cricket captain, Virat Kohli, shared a heartwarming message for his close friend, expressing his admiration with a simple yet impactful “My brother ❤️. Proud.”

Virat Kohli’s friendship with Chhetri is evident, as Kohli often him to RCB training sessions, showcasing their camaraderie beyond their respective sports.

Was fun to have you around yesterday skip 🤙 @chetrisunil11 #topguy #cricketmeetsfootball pic.twitter.com/sUzZ2xxAgF

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 20, 2019

India Football captain Sunil Chhetri to retire on June 6. 🥺

What a ride this has been, skipper! 94 international goals, so many laurels, an unbroken conviction and you’ve inspired so many young Indians to dream big. ⚽️🫡

Happy farewell to the No.11 but India’s #1,… pic.twitter.com/s3hEuXFjq3

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 16, 2024

Chhetri’s Legacy in Football

Chhetri’s achievements in international football speak volumes, as he holds the record for the most goals after Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei and Lionel Messi. With 94 goals in 150 appearances for the country, his contribution to Indian football is unparalleled.

Despite retiring from international football, Chhetri will continue to grace the ISL with his presence, representing Bengaluru FC. His professional journey began with Mohun Bagan in 2002, leading him to become one of the top goal-scorers in international football.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli will be seen in action for RCB against CSK in the ongoing IPL 2024. The match is scheduled to take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Tribute to Chhetri from Fellow Sportsperson

Yuzvendra Chahal, a prominent Indian cricketer known for his bowling prowess, also paid tribute to Chhetri’s remarkable career, congratulating him and acknowledging his incredible achievements.

Along with Chahal, his bowling partner Kuldeep Yadav also congratulated the football legend for his remarkable career.

What a run you have had! 👏
Congratulations on an amazing career @chetrisunil11 ✨

Happy Retirement, legend 🫡 pic.twitter.com/eWnEm1W616

— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) May 16, 2024

Congratulations on a fantastic career Legend👏🏻
Wishing the best for you🤗♥️ https://t.co/xf0hHztcwS

— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) May 16, 2024

Your career has been nothing short of extraordinary and you have been a phenomenal icon for Indian football and Indian sports. Go well, Captain! #TeamIndia https://t.co/g2a0yXRv5i

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 16, 2024

Never wanted to see this happen , i wish I could do something to change your mind but i also understand why it is happening bhai. The whole country needs to celebrate your International career on the 6th of June the way you deserve. My Captain https://t.co/L3Fd5buXk1

— Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (@GurpreetGK) May 16, 2024

Gautam Gambhir reveals why Suryakumar Yadav is the only regret from his stint as KKR captain