Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri announced on Thursday that he will retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match against Kuwait, set to take place in Kolkata on June 6. Sunil Chhetri, who started his international career back in 2005, has played 150 matches in India colors and has scored 94 goals in a career that has spanned 19 years. Sports personalities, celebrities and fans alike flooded social media with all kinds of reactions and emotions after the news of Sunil Chhetri’s retirement.
Sunil Chhetri broke the news to the public by taking to his official social media handle where he uploaded an emotional video talking about his iconic football journey for India. "There is one day that I never forget and remember it quite often is the first time I played for my country man, it was unbelievable,” he mentions in the video.
Watch Sunil Chhetri’s Retirement Announcement Video
Admirers Of Sunil Chhetri Pour Social Media With Reactions
Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli and Indian cricket's apex body, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) commented on Chhetri's video that has him announcing his retirement. Kohli, who has been known to be a close friend of Chhetri's, wrote, "My brother. PROUD." Fans expressed gratitude for the kind of positive influence Chhetri has had on the Indian football over the years. One fan tweeted, "The goal machine The face of Indian football," highlighting the kind of impact Chhetri has had during his playing days.