Sunil Chhetri Indian Football Icon to Bid Farewell

Indian football icon and captain Sunil Chhetri, third-highest active international goalscorer, announced his retirement from the sport after India's World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6, ending a 19-year career.

Indian football captain and famous personality Sunil Chhetri has disclosed that he would decide to stop his international football career after playing a FIFA World Cup qualification game against Kuwait on June 6th. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), the 39-year-old striker gives an emotional farewell speech.

"One more game. . . for our all. . . we can win this game and will leave happily," Chhetri cried out, cracking with emotion.

Chhetri has been Indian football's cheerleader, not only for almost two decades but having made his international debut as far back as 2005. He is a record goalscorer for India with 83 goals in 135 matches for the national side. After active players, he will be placed third with international goals, only after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The old man retired at the age of 39 reminiscing about the highs and lows of his glorious career with 19 years in the emotional video. "The youth in me will likely continue to strive for football, but the discerning, grown-up character and the person know that this is it. But it was very difficult," he said, with tears rolling down his cheeks.

Chhetri was the one who made Indian football a global name and who motivated various generations of Indian footballers with his hard work, long playing years, and goal-scoring abilities. He was the head coach of the team when India won the AFC Challenge Cup, SAFF Championship, and Intercontinental Cup.

The fans on social media praised him by putting their gratitude in words for the great service he had rendered to them. "End of an era. Sunil Chhetri - captain, leader, legend - says goodbye," exclaimed one fan. Another one wrote him off as "one of the biggest legends of Indian football. "

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After Chhetri retired, the next big question was "After Chhetri, who?" when it comes to the search for the next icon of Indian football who will be lighting up the spark. However, his feat as India's greatest-ever footballer will live beyond history, with him.