Sunil Chhetri, who is widely regarded as the face of Indian football, announced his retirement in the year 2024, thus bringing to an end an illustrious career that lasted for over two decades.
Sunil Chhetri, the emblem of Indian football, announced his retirement from international football in 2024, bringing to an end a game changing career in international football that has inspired many. It all started for Chhetri with Mohun Bagan in 2002, and over 20 years he emerged as a great figure in the history of Indian football.
Career Development
Sunil Chhetri was born and raised in New Delhi, where as a child he was already interested in soccer. He was signed by Mohun Bagan in 2002 and later went onto cleft himself as a fine forward. In 2005 he was transferred to JCT as a result of his impressive performances, and what in fact the transfer signified, was the takeoff of a career that was later to witness Chhetri emerge as the leading goal scorer at the club level while impressing national team selectors.
Contributions towards the Nation
Chhetri made his entry into international soccer in 2005 when he embraced the Indian national team, and not too further had he cemented himself as an important fixture. Throughout, he was the man for Indian football, portraying the country’s colors in 150 games and netting the ball 94 times. This performance placed him fourth on the list of international goalscorers, only behind football greats in Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ali Dei.
Under Chhetri’s captaincy India reached new heights. He was influential in India’s success in the AFC Challenge cup which helped India qualify for the AFC Asian Cup in the year 2011. Moreover, he also guided India to a number of SAFF Championships and even an Intercontinental Cup confirming his mark as a football legend in the country.
Club Career and Contributions
Chhetri equally enjoyed success with Indian clubs. Post his JCT short career, he went on to represent some of the biggest clubs in India like East Bengal, Dempo FC and most importantly, Bengaluru FC. His time in Bengaluru FC was quite remarkable as well as he led the club to win many I-League titles and even ISL. Chhetri along with his remarkable professionalism and commitment and leadership helped Bengaluru FC become one of the biggest football clubs in his native land.
Legacy and Impact
Taking into account all that has been stated earlier, it can be appreciated that Sunil Chhetri’s contribution to Indian football is much greater than his number of goals scored and trophies won. He was a role model to an entire generation of young footballers who decided to go and live their dreams. For every budding sportsman, who wants to become an athlete in a cricket-centric milieu, Chhetri’s work ethic, humility and the grit were illuminating.
Moreover, his non-playing life comprising engagement in social activities, and work in promoting the sport of football also brought him closer to people and created fans for him. On the other hand, many fans of the player were able to interact with him through social media, see him in candid interviews and perceive him on the pitch in a way that he was universally adored.
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The Farewell
Chhetri certainly commands a lot of respect, and fans, teammates and admirers around the world wished he had not announced his retirement from international football. He received a lot of handshakes and love from fellow players, coaches and football associations, recognizing his commendable service to the sport. It’s hard to imagine Indian football without him. His last outing in an Indian Blue shirt is worth mentioning. It was a blue and white, sad and thankful moment.
The Road Ahead
Chhetri may have retired from playing an international game. How that creates a dent in his football career is still to be understood. He is still active on club level and also plays a pivotal role in grooming youngsters. Chhetri would live through the youngsters he would have inspired and added a purpose to their careers in Indian football.
