India’s all-time top scorer and most capped player has declared it’s time for the nation to welcome ‘the next number nine,’ through a heartfelt video announcing his retirement.
Sunil Chhetri, the captain of India, has announced his retirement from international football, concluding a historic two-decade-long career with the national team.
Chhetri, India’s leading goal scorer, will hang up his boots following the World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6, as revealed by the 39-year-old on Thursday.
Having been the cornerstone of Indian football for over fourteen years, Chhetri’s tally of 94 international goals ranks him as the third-highest active international goal scorer, trailing only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
“I wasn’t feeling tired,” Chhetri expressed in a video on social media. “The feeling that this should be my last game struck me, and after much contemplation, I made my decision. Will I be sad? Certainly… the child within never wants to cease playing for his nation.” “Now, it’s time for the country to embrace the new number nine.” For nearly fifteen years, Chhetri has been synonymous with Indian football, and with 94 international goals, he stands as the third-highest scorer among active players globally, trailing only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. “I wasn’t weary,” reiterated Chhetri in his social media video. “The realization that this should be my final match dawned upon me, and after thorough reflection, I reached this conclusion. Will I be disheartened? Undoubtedly… the youngster inside is ever eager to continue playing for his country.” “The moment has come for our nation to witness the emergence of the next number nine.”
“The game against Kuwait demands pressure, we need the three points to qualify for the next round. It’s hugely important for us,” the skipper said.
“But in a strange way, I don’t feel the pressure because these 15-20 days with the national team and the match against Kuwait is the last,” he added.
He scored a penalty in India’s most recent outing, a 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Afghanistan in March.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) heaped praises on the retiring captain in response to his announcement on social media.
“Your legacy on and off-the-field will always be remembered,” AIFF said in a post on X.
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“Thank you, @chetrisunil11, for your leadership, dedication, and commitment to Indian football.”
In India, a nation of 1.4 billion people, football has yet to establish a strong foothold, overshadowed by the enduring obsession with cricket.
The former FIFA president Sepp Blatter once referred to India as the “sleeping giant” of football.
Presently, India holds the 121st position in the FIFA rankings, just one place behind Lebanon, which has a population of 5.5 million.
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