Sunil Chhetri, the iconic captain of the Indian football team, recently announced his retirement from international football, triggering a wave of tributes from various quarters, including FIFA, the apex body of world football. Chhetri made this decision public after the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6, marking the end of an illustrious career marked by exceptional achievements.
FIFA, in a gesture of respect, shared a graphic-generated image on its official platform, showcasing Chhetri alongside global football luminaries Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The image, symbolizing the trio as the leading active international goalscorers, highlights Chhetri's remarkable contribution to Indian football, with 94 goals to his credit. This recognition from FIFA further underlines Chhetri's stature as a legend of the sport.
Earlier in 2022, FIFA had honored Chhetri with a three-part documentary, titled 'Captain Fantastic,' divided into kick off, mid-game, and extra time. This documentary was a tribute to Chhetri's enduring legacy and his pivotal role in elevating Indian football on the global stage.
The announcement of Chhetri's retirement evoked heartfelt messages from eminent personalities across sports. Virat Kohli, the cricketing maestro, expressed his pride in a touching Instagram comment, while Yuvraj Singh hailed Chhetri as a true legend whose influence on Indian football will endure for generations. Chhetri's exit from the international arena marks the end of an era for Indian football. His record-breaking career, spanning 150 national appearances, makes him India's all-time top scorer and most-capped player. Bhaichung Bhutia, the former Indian football star, rued Chhetri's retirement as a huge loss to Indian football, given his massive contribution to the sport.
The admiration outpoured beyond the football field, as cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru were among many who praised Chhetri's remarkable journey and the inspiration he has been for countless budding athletes around the country.
As Chhetri retires from international football, a pioneer and role model, his legacy will continue to echo and serve as motivation for future generations of Indian footballers. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India joined in the chorus of praise, saying Chhetri has made an impact on Indian sports without parallel and thanked him for the superb career.
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