Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri prepares to depart the international scene.
A couple of months from now Indian football will witness its great warrior Sunil Chhetri make his international debut two decades after relentless barrage of goals. These goals have kept him on list of the world’s most prolific scorers. The 39-year-old former off-spinner announced a month back that his final international game would be in home World Cup qualifier against Kuwait. In Kolkata. He would want to end the season with a big bang.
With 94 goals Chhetri has been surpassed by only two other players for record. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal. Retired Ali Daei of Iran. Lionel Messi of Argentina. He is India’s most-capped player. With 150 caps. “I think I was destined to have this kind of career.” Chhetri told The Economic Times.
“When I started playing football everything was different. I am not willing to change anything for the rest of my life.” Chhetri is a sporting genius in cricket-loving India. The 1.7-meter-tall diminutive striker made his debut in 2005 against arch nemesis Pakistan. He scored India’s only goal.
He hit a hat-trick against Tajikistan to win the 2011 edition of the Asian Cup. It was his first one in 27 years. It included another assist for the game.
He has become legend while playing. That’s something only few people can do. India hero Igor Stimac said last month. He is an inspiration to everyone a total dedication to the Indian jersey.
Though Chhetri had spells in Portugal and the United States. He has played the bulk of his football in India. He is currently playing for Bengaluru. In 2009 he was signed by London-based Queens Park Rangers. They wanted to fashion a 2-1 win. In England’s second tier he was handed contract.
Sunil Chhetri last words for his last game.