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Sunil Chhetri's emotional announcement to retire from international football has sent shockwaves through the Indian sporting community and beyond. The news quickly became a trending topic on social media, with many high-profile accounts expressing their reactions to this "heartbreaking" news, as some have called it. Chhetri, a national hero and the country's all-time leading scorer with 94 goals, also currently sits fourth on the prestigious international all-time goal-scorers list. He made the official announcement via a 10-minute video posted on X, where he elaborated on his reasons for stepping away from the national team.
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Virat Kohli reacts to Sunil Chhetri's retirement
Sunil Chhetri's retirement announcement wasn't just met with national grief; it garnered emotional responses from across the sporting world. Cricket legend and close friend Virat Kohli took to Instagram to leave a heartfelt comment on Chhetri's video, expressing his immense pride by simply stating, "My Brother, PROUD."
The sentiment was echoed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) who published a heartfelt message honoring Chhetri's career. They hailed the 39-year-old not only as a football icon but as an inspiration for the entire Indian sporting community.
“Your career has been nothing short of extraordinary and you have been a phenomenal icon for Indian football and Indian sports. Go well, Captain! #TeamIndia,” BCCI's post on X read.
Even within the Indian national team, Chhetri's retirement has sparked a range of emotions. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu took to social media, expressing his wish that Chhetri would reconsider. However, Sandhu also acknowledged Chhetri's reasons for stepping down and urged the nation to celebrate his incredible career.
“Never wanted to see this happen , i wish I could do something to change your mind but i also understand why it is happening bhai. The whole country needs to celebrate your International career on the 6th of June the way you deserve. My Captain,” Gurpreet Singh wrote on X.
RCB also took to X to pay tribute to India's football legend.
“India Football captain Sunil Chhetri to retire on June 6. 🥺 What a ride this has been, skipper! 94 international goals, so many laurels, an unbroken conviction and you’ve inspired so many young Indians to dream big. ⚽️🫡 Happy farewell to the No.11 but India’s #1, @chetrisunil11 . 🙇♂️,” RCB wrote.
Chennai Super Kings too took to X to wish the legendary footballer.
“Captain Leader Legend. 🫡 Big whistles on the trailblazing career, @chetrisunil11! 👏🥳,” CSK's post read.
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