Indian legendary footballer and captain of the Indian national team, Sunil Chhetri has announced his decision to retire from International Football on 6 June.
On a video posted on X Chhetri said the world cup qualification match against Kuwait on June 6, 2024 would be his last International game.
I'd like to say something… pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024
Chhetri started his international debut against Pakistan on June 12, 2005.
Chhetri score 94 goals in 150 international appearances and third-highest active international goal-scorer, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Chhetri helped India win the 2007, 2009, and 2012 Nehru Cup, as well as the 2011, 2015, 2021 and 2023 SAFF Championship.
He also led India to victory in the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008 which qualified them to their first AFC Asian Cup in 27 years.
Chhetri received the Arjuna Award in 2011 for his outstanding sporting achievement, the Padma Shri award in 2019, India’s fourth highest civilian award. In 2021, he received the Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor and became the first Indian footballer to receive the award.
Chhetri has also won AIFF Player of the Year a record seven times in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018–19 and 2021–22.