THRE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, May 16: Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri declared on Thursday that he would be retiring from international football after India’s June 6 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait.
Chhetri announced his retirement from international football via a video he posted on X.
Chhetri’s last game will take place at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
I'd like to say something… pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024
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Accomplishments of Sunil Chhetri
Chhetri, who entered international football in 2005, has netted 94 goals for the nation. He will depart as India’s highest goal scorer of all time and the player with the most appearances (150 matches).
He stands third among active players in terms of goals scored, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Additionally, he currently holds the fourth position in the all-time list of international goal-scorers.
Sunil Chhetri commenced his professional football career with Mohun Bagan in 2002. He contributed to India’s triumphs in the 2007, 2009, and 2012 Nehru Cup, along with the 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023 SAFF Championship. Furthermore, he led India to success in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, leading to India’s qualification for its first AFC Asian Cup in 27 years.
Chhetri was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2011 and the Padma Shri in 2019. In 2021, he achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first footballer to receive the Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting accolade.