“June 7 I will spend a lot of time crying. After June 8, I will take a long break and then I will start pre-season with Bengaluru FC in July.” That’s the pre-season or post international retirement plan of Sunil Chhetri after June 6, which will be his last game in the National Team jersey. The Indian captain, who announced his international retirement by posting a video on his social media platforms on Thursday, has urged fans to come in numbers for his last game, which is against Kuwait at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
“Just come and encourage us. A lot of grounds have done amazingly. Salt Lake is among them. It’s unbelievable. There are a lot of supporters of the 3 Kolkata giants. Whenever the National Team plays, they come in large numbers. Just come in numbers and hopefully, you will leave happy,” Chhetri said in an AIFF media interaction.
Sunil took a journey down memory lane and reminisced about his days at Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, also admitting that if he were 17, he wouldn’t have come back to India, leaving behind such extraordinary infrastructure and facilities in Portugal.
🚨 Sunil Chhetri Media Interaction 🚨
🗣️ “Tough has many meanings. Still if you ask me opponents, 4-1 vs South Korea where I thought what is happening ! We had no clue, so toughness in terms of what was happening, it has to be the South Korea match in the Asian Cup 2011″… pic.twitter.com/qA10VNGlHt
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) May 17, 2024
“I wouldn’t have come back if I was 17. I was in one of the best clubs with the best infrastructure. I used to enjoy training with the top players. But not getting proper time was hampering my head. That is the reason why I came back. If I was 16 or 17, I would have stayed. I was training with some of the best players,” Sunil added.
What made Chhetri the player he is today? Chhetri gave credit to his family and the teams he played for in helping him achieve extraordinary success on and off the football field.
“Great family, a great surrounding, amazing teams that I’ve played with, a lot of people I have worked with,”the Indian legend said. “For me, whatever little I have achieved, a lot of people behind the scenes have worked tirelessly for what I am today. If you want the recipe, then it’s hard work and the genes of KP Chhetri and Chhetri.”
In the last seven games, India have managed to score only a few goals, prompting critics to call for Chhetri’s replacement and for giving opportunities to upcoming stars. Was this the reason that led Sunil to consider his retirement? The Indian captain made it clear that he doesn’t take criticism too seriously.
“There was a very small number who thought I overstayed and should retire. When I signed with Bengaluru FC at 29, if I had to listen to people, I would have listened to them then. I don’t take criticism too much to heart. My decision was entirely because of what I thought,” Chhetri whipped.
Who will step up after Sunil Chhetri? This question is on everyone’s mind at the moment. But Chhetri believes that the National Team is in safe hands with many players capable of filling his shoes post his retirement.
“There are a lot of attacking players who are doing well. For example, those who were playing in the ISL final. Four of the attackers are Indian. It’s different to play for the country compared to ISL. But I think the desire, talent, and hunger they possess will help,” Chhetri concluded.
Also Read: Very emotional moment for the family: Kharga Chhetri on Sunil’s retirement