On Thursday, May 16th, Sunil Chhetri, one of the most renowned footballers in India, officially declared his retirement from international football after a 20-year career. The 39-year-old captain's final game for India will be on Thursday, June 6th, against Kuwait in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match. Chhetri's decision was not due to fatigue, but rather a desire to give opportunities to young strikers and continue inspiring the nation and the world with his remarkable legacy. Throughout his illustrious career, Chhetri has received numerous prestigious accolades, including the Arjuna Award in 2011 for his impressive achievements in football.
Sunil Chhetri: A Farewell to a Legend
On May 16th, 2023, Sunil Chhetri, the iconic Indian footballer, announced his retirement from international football. This news sent shockwaves through the Indian football community and beyond. Chhetri had been the captain and talisman of the Indian national team for over a decade, inspiring a generation of young footballers.
Background
Chhetri was born in Secunderabad, India, in 1984. He began playing football at a young age and joined Mohun Bagan in 2002, making his professional debut in the I-League. He quickly established himself as a prolific striker, earning a move to JCT Mills in 2005.
In 2007, Chhetri made his international debut for India. He quickly became a vital member of the team and captained them for the first time in 2012. Under his leadership, India achieved several milestones, including winning the SAFF Championship three times and qualifying for the Asian Cup in 2019.
International Career Highlights
Chhetri's international career is marked by numerous accolades:
Reasons for Retirement
Chhetri's decision to retire was prompted by a desire to give opportunities to younger players. He believes that the time has come for the next generation of footballers to take the mantle. Moreover, he wants to continue inspiring the nation and the world through his legacy.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why did Sunil Chhetri retire? A: Chhetri retired to give opportunities to younger players and continue inspiring the nation through his legacy.
2. When is Chhetri's final game for India? A: Chhetri's final game for India will be on June 6th, 2023, against Kuwait in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
3. What is Chhetri's international goal-scoring record? A: Chhetri has scored 85 goals in 131 appearances for India.
4. What awards has Chhetri won? A: Chhetri has won numerous awards, including the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and AFC Player of the Year.
5. What are Chhetri's future plans? A: Chhetri plans to continue playing for his club, Bengaluru FC, and focus on his foundation, which supports young footballers.
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