MARGAO
It was truly a sad day for Indian football as Sunil Chhetri, one of the greatest players in Indian football, has announced his decision to retire following FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 match against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6.
Chhetri has played a major role in India’s footballing fortunes in the last decade, earning legendary status in the nation’s sporting history as he finishes his career as the most prolific goal-scorer for India with a tally of 94 goals for the nation.
As the news spread, some of the biggest names in India have shared their views on the 39-year old's retirement call.
His sensational goal tally also ranks him fourth in the all-time list among international goal-scorers too, right behind the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei, and Lionel Messi.
Football yesteryear players aficionados besides players and administrator all agreed that India captain Sunil Chhetri will miss him playing action.
"Sunil has contributed so much to Indian football. India is going to miss a legendary footballer like him. There will be a huge gap to fill now. Overall, I think he was too professional and is one of the greatest examples to the generations to come. His focused dedication is exemplary," Senior Vice-President of Goa Football Association Anthony Pango added.
"Sunil Chhetri carried the weight of Indian football upon his shoulders for long. He tried his best to awaken the sleeping giant that India has been described as. But the system that works or rather doesn’t, failed to extend the required level of support. Hence India continues to remain at a level which does not augur well for the future. Though he earned personal glory as the all time top scorer for India, Chhetri while taking the field for one last time as a successful Indian footballer in recent times will rue the fact that India could not be lifted any higher to break into the top even at the Asian level . Fans and players will have to contend with the reality of finding him missing from the team line up and as a tribute to his exceptional contribution, work harder for the success of team India in future. Hope he comes into the AIFF to plug the unresponsive system," said Elvis Gomes former president of Goa Football Association
"What I like about him is his commitment to the game, maintaining good discipline, never being involved in any controversy, and a thorough sportsman. He has set an example to every sportsperson who wants to achieve big. It was a right call taken at the right time. It was great knowing him. I wish him happy retirement,"said former India defender and U-23 coach Derrick Pereira.
Mahesh Gawli former India Central defender who has played both for India and Dempo Sports Club lauded Chhetri attitude. “When he first came into the team, he was a very talented boy and was always waiting for his opportunity to play in the first XI, and once he got it, he never liked to be on the bench. His attitude was always very good on the pitch. He’s a great striker who gave us continuity after Bhaichung Bhutia. After Bhaichung, he was the one who was always reliable in that position. At first, he was a bit nervous, but then he learned to adapt quickly, and once he did, he picked up himself very quickly, and has scored so many goals for the nation.”
AIFF Executive Committee member Climax Lawrence, a former India captain himself said, “The service that Sunil Chhetri has rendered for so many years will be remembered forever. I’ve played with him in the national team and found him to be a player who was always determined and ready to give 100 per cent. He has always been hungry for goals, and his focus, concentration, and execution inside the box are worth watching. As a fellow footballer, I will never forget his crucial hat-trick in the AFC Challenge Cup final on slushy ground in New Delhi. The footballers of the upcoming generations should follow his example.”
Dempo coach Samir Naik also shared some word of appreciation for the Indian captain. “Playing international football for 19 years is no mean feat. He is an inspiration for one and all. The biggest positive about him is that whenever the country needed him, he delivered. I played along side with the National team and at Dempo. Indian Football has reached this level because of his hard work and dedication. I still remember when Dempo were on the verging of I-league championship and some crucial matches remaining, head coach Armando Colaco applied good gesture and released him to attend the trial at the Sporting Lisbon Club. I wish Sunil all the best for the next chapter of his life."
