Legendary Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri revealed the emotional toll his retirement decision has taken on his family. In a heartfelt announcement, Chhetri shared that both his mother and wife shed tears upon learning of his plans to step away from international football. Chhetri, who made the announcement on his retirement via a 10-minute social media video on May 16, will play his last match in India's second World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6 in Kolkata. This marks the end of a glittering 19-year international career. While the decision itself felt instinctive, Chhetri admitted to spending considerable time deliberating the timing of his official retirement.
"When I did decide that this would be my last game, I told my mum, my dad and my wife -- my family first. My dad my was dad, he was relieved, happy everything. My mum and my wife strangely started crying. And I told them that you always used to bug me that there are too many games, too much of pressure when you watch me. And when I am now telling you that I am not going to play for my country after this game... even they couldn't express to me why they burst into tears," Sunil Chhetri said.
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Sunil Chhetri, who donned the national team jersey for the first time in 2005, leaves behind a legacy of not just remarkable goalscoring prowess but also immense love and respect from Indian football fans. Throughout his 19-year career, the 39-year-old striker became a national treasure, etching his name in history with a staggering 94 goals in 150 appearances. This phenomenal achievement places him fourth on the prestigious all-time list of international goal scorers. Chhetri's impact went beyond mere statistics. He carried the weight of the national team's offensive attack for years, consistently defying age with his electrifying performances. Announcing his retirement, Chhetri echoed the sentiment of many athletes – a heartfelt desire to never leave the game they love.
"It's not that I was feeling tired, not that I was feeling, this or that. When the instinct came that this should be my last game, I thought about it a lot. And eventually, I came to this decision. So will I be sad after this? Of course," Chhetri further added.
"It took time because the kid inside me, never wants to stop, if given a chance to play for his country. Never. I am really fortunate in my life, I practically lived a dream, nothing comes close to play for my country. And the moment I told myself first that this game is going to be my last, that's when I started recollecting everything. It was so strange. Thinking about this game, that game, that coach, that coach, that team, that member, that ground, that away match, this good game, that bad game. All my performances... everything came flashing." he signed off.
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