After revealing his retirement following a remarkable 19-year international career, Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri received tributes and celebrations from numerous prominent figures in the sports realm, acknowledging his significant contributions to Indian football.
Chhetri made public his retirement through his official social media profiles, sharing a reflective 10-minute video. In this video, he recalled his initial call-up to represent the national team and discussed the reasons behind his decision to retire.
Recognized as a transformative figure in Indian football, Chhetri served as an inspiration not only domestically but also on the global stage. He resolved to wear the national jersey for the final time during a match against Kuwait on June 6, in front of home supporters at the Salt Lake Stadium, concluding his illustrious 19-year career.
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Virat Kohli, a legendary figure in Indian cricket and a close friend of Chhetri, shared a heartfelt comment on the footballer’s Instagram post, expressing his deep pride in calling Chhetri his “brother.” Kohli’s words were, “My Brother, PROUD.”
In a touching tribute to Chhetri’s retirement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) praised the 39-year-old as an icon not just in football but also across the broader sports spectrum.
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
BCCI also shared a tribute on X, acknowledging Chhetri’s remarkable career and describing him as an outstanding icon for both Indian football and the broader sports community. The message concluded with well wishes, saying, “Go well, Captain! #TeamIndia.”