Sunil Chhetri’s announcement of his retirement from international football has resonated across the Indian sporting landscape, uniting cricket’s BCCI and IPL team RCB with countless others in a chorus of appreciation.
Sunil Chhetri: Career Worthy of Applause
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to social media to express their admiration for Chhetri’s illustrious career. “Your career has been nothing short of extraordinary and you have been a phenomenal icon for Indian football and Indian sports,” the BCCI tweeted. “Go well, Captain!” they added, echoing the sentiment of a nation.
RCB-KKR lauds India Captain legacy
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), also paid tribute to India skipper. “What a ride this has been, skipper!” RCB wrote on their social media platform. Highlighting Chhetri’s incredible international record of 94 goals and his unwavering dedication, they hailed him as an inspiration for aspiring young players. “Happy farewell to the No.11 but India’s #1,” their tweet concluded.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) also applauded Chhetri’s legacy.
Selfless decision by Sunil Chhetri
Chhetri’s decision to retire stems from his desire to create opportunities for the next generation of Indian strikers. In a heartfelt video message, he announced his upcoming international retirement after India’s World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6th. He emphasized that his decision wasn’t driven by fatigue, but rather by a wish to see young talent flourish. “Time for the next crop of No. 9s to step up?” he pondered in the video message.
Sunil Chhetri: Beyond Numbers
Sunil Chhetri’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian football. Widely regarded as the country’s greatest footballer ever, his exceptional record of 84 goals in 150 appearances speaks for itself. This achievement not only cements his status as India’s top scorer but also places him among the all-time greats on the international stage.
Sunil Chhetri’s influence goes far beyond statistics. He has been a true leader and an inspiration, his passion and commitment igniting a fire in the hearts of countless young footballers across India. While his presence on the international field will be missed, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to motivate future generations.
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