Legendary Indian soccer participant Sunil Chhetri introduced on Thursday that he shall be retiring from worldwide soccer following the June 6 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Kolkata in opposition to Kuwait, capping off an unimaginable two-decade profession.

The veteran captain of the nationwide staff made his announcement in a video that he shared on social media. India is at present trailing leaders Qatar by 4 factors in Group A.

Chhetri mentioned, wanting again on the previous 19 years is a combination of responsibility, strain and excessive happiness. He mentioned, he had by no means imagined that he would play so many video games for the nation, whether or not they had been good or unhealthy, however in the course of the previous two and a half months, he has. And that was a fairly unusual feeling. He then although he was coming towards the conclusion that this match (in opposition to Kuwait) could be his final, Chhetri remarked.

Indian soccer legend Sunil Chhetri has had a spectacular profession spanning greater than 20 years. This gifted ahead has made a reputation for himself each on the worldwide stage and in home competitions. Chhetri will play his remaining recreation on the identical place the place he made his India debut 19 years in the past, name it a coincidence or a coincidence. To keep up their probabilities of incomes a ticket within the World Cup Qualifiers Spherical 3, India should win their match in opposition to Kuwait. India, with 4 factors from 4 video games and a present rating of second in Group A, will play their final group stage match in opposition to Qatar. Solely the 2 greatest groups advance.

Chhetri’s journey started in 2002 with Mohun Bagan. With stints on the Sporting CP reserves in Portugal (2012) and the Kansas Metropolis Wizards within the USA (2010), his expertise shortly took him abroad. He wore the jerseys of elite groups in his native India, together with Bengaluru FC, Mumbai Metropolis FC, Dempo, and East Bengal. Chhetri noticed actual success with Bengaluru, the place he gained titles within the I-League (2014, 2016), ISL (2019), and Tremendous Cup (2018). In 2016, he guided all of them the best way to the AFC Cup remaining.

Sunil Chhetri’s efficiency at golf equipment is fantastic, his worldwide achievements are what actually make him particular. India’s triumphs within the SAFF Championship (2011, 2015, 2021) and the Nehru Cup (2007, 2009, 2012) have been vastly aided by him. Most notably, he helped India win the 2008 AFC Problem Cup, which allowed them to qualify for his or her first AFC Asian Cup in 27 years.