Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri on the eve of his retirement game made it clear that his decision is final. Chhetri will make his final appearance in international football against Kuwait at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on June 6 in FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier clash.
In the pre-match press conference, Chhetri was asked whether he would return if India beat Kuwait and advance to third round of FIFA World Cup Qualifier 2026 comprising of 18 teams fighting for the eight spots. The 39-year-old gave a stern reply and said that he will travel with the team but as a fan.
"No sir, the suits are made, I'm going to go and watch the boys play as a fan. I'm not somebody who just says something that comes on his mind, I might look like that but I think a lot and I've given it my thought. It's been 19 years I had a great ride, and this is it," the veteran footballer said.
"It's not a joke, I'm highly grateful, it's the right time, there couldn't be a better game to call it my last. I'm at peace."
Young guns ready to take up Chhetri’s role
Chhetri also revealed tha banter from his teammates who are willing to fill his shoes.
"Manvir (Singh) can't wait, I'm sure Siva (Sivasakthi Narayanan), can't wait, Parthib (Gogoi)... I see Rahim (Ali) staring at my eyes and asking, 'pakka aap wapas nahin aaoge na...' (You're not coming back right).
"They know the door is now open. There are so many who can do well and they can't wait they just want 'ek baar apne bol diya dobara mat ana galti se ab' (once you have announced it don't come back my mistake)," he said.
Big opportunity awaits
The Indian team faced a lot of flak after their unexpected 1-2 loss against Afghanistan in Guwahati in March. However, a win against Kuwait will guarantee them a spot in the pool of 18 Asian teams that will be divided in three groups to fight it out for the eight spots in the marquee event.
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