In a heartfelt and emotional announcement, Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has officially retired from professional football, bringing an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades to a close. The news marks the end of an era for Indian football, as Chhetri has been the sport’s most prominent figure in the country for years.

Chhetri, who made his debut for the national team in 2005, began his announcement by reminiscing about that unforgettable day. “This one day that I never forget and remember quite often is the first time I played for my country. Man, it was unbelievable,” he recalled. He vividly described the morning of his debut match when his first national team coach, Sukhi, informed him he would be starting. “I can’t tell you. I was feeling mad. I took my jersey, I sprayed some perfume on it. I have no idea why.”

Throughout his career, Chhetri has been known not just for his skill and leadership on the field, but also for his humility and dedication. Reflecting on his journey, he described a mix of emotions that defined his career. “The feeling that I have recollected in the last 19 years is a very nice combination between duty, pressure, and immense joy,” he said.

Chhetri emphasized that his decision to retire wasn’t due to fatigue or a lack of passion for the game. Instead, it was a natural instinct that it was the right time to step away. “The decision to retire comes from a place of fulfillment and intuition,” he explained. “I still love the game as much as I did on day one, but it’s time for me to move on.”

Sharing the personal moment when he informed his family about his decision, Chhetri recounted, “I told my mom, my dad, and my wife first. My dad was relieved, happy, everything but my mom and my wife, they started crying.” Despite their initial reaction, Chhetri assured them that he had carefully considered his decision and felt it was the right time.

Chhetri’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. With numerous records to his name, including being the highest goal-scorer for the Indian national team and one of the top international goal-scorers in the world, his legacy is firmly cemented in the annals of football history.

As Indian football bids farewell to one of its greatest players, fans and fellow athletes alike will remember Sunil Chhetri not just for his contributions on the field, but for the spirit and passion he brought to the game. His journey from a young debutant to a national icon will continue to inspire future generations of footballers in India and beyond.

Chhetri’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, but his influence on Indian football will undoubtedly endure for many years to come.