'I don't want to...': Sunil Chhetri refuses retirement talks ahead of crucial match vs Kuwait
Sunil Chhetri retires
Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri has urged fans and media to take focus off him as he plays his last match for the country.Indiaface Kuwait in the crucial FIFA World Cup Qualifier match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Thursday (Jun 6) and a win would help India get its campaign back on track to enterthe third round of qualifiers.
Speaking on the eve of the match, Chhetri, who draws curtains on his 19-year-long illustrious career, preferred to only talk about the massive task at hand.
"It's not about me and my last match. I don't want to address it again and again. We really want to win this game. This is not going to be easy, but we are ready. We will have tremendous support," said Chhetri.
"If we win tomorrow we almost qualify. Five top games home and away, I am going to wear nice suits and watch the match wherever the team travels," he added.
Chhetri said he would be following the Indian team as a fan post the match against Kuwait.
"I have thought about it a lot. I had a great ride all this 19 years. I will go as a fan and support the team wherever the team goes."
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India and Kuwait have squared up against each other on three occasions in the past year with India drawing one while winning the other two which includes a SAFF Championship final penalty shootout.
"Everyday I talk to the boys, I keep telling them about this dream. The longer camp helps, because we come from different mentality. It gives you much more time to work on details. It's not life-changing, but it games you to work on details," he added.
Sunil Chhetri Retires: 6 Interesting Facts About India's Football Legend
Chhetri - a legend of the game
Chhetri announced his retirement from international football last month in a video message that came as a shock to fans.
When Chhetri takes the field on Thursday, he could add to his already impressive 94 international goals tally. He is currently the third highest active goal-scorer after Cristiano Ronaldo (128) and Lionel Messi (106).
He remains the fourth-highest all-time top scorer in men's international football after Ronaldo, Ali Daei (109) and Messi. Chhetri will also retire as the second-highest goal-scorer from Asia, underlining his legendary status.
(With inputs from agencies)