Watch – Teary-eyed Sunil Chhetri bids adieu as teammates give emotional guard of honour
Watch - Sunil Chhetri bids adieu as teammates give emotional guard of honour
Football great India’s Sunil Chhetri bid adieu to the game following a 0-0 draw against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier clash at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on June 6. The fourth-highest goal scorer in international football after the legendary duo of Cristiano Ronaldo (128*), Lionel Messi (106*) and Ali Daei (108), Chhetri retired with 94 goals to his name – the most by an Indian (in 151 matches).
The crowd in attendance gave a standing ovation to the maestro while teammates gave him an emotional guard of honour.
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After the game, a teary-eyed Chhetri took a lap of honour at the iconic stadium, with thousands of fans standing on their feet chanting his name. Even during the game, the crowd was buzzing, with everyone’s eyes locked on the veteran striker to score a goal in his final match in the Indian jersey.
Besides, countless banners and posters of gratitude and admiration towards their departing hero were visible, with messages like "Sonar Sunil. Tomay Hrid Majhare Rakhbo" (Golden Sunil. Will keep you in my heart), "India Till I Die," and “Thanks Captain. Leader. Legend” reflecting the love and respect he earned throughout his career.
Not only Chhetri, his father, who was also present at the venue, admitted getting emotional watching his son saying goodbye to the sport he debuted 19 years ago.
You can watch the video here –
Meanwhile, ahead of Chhetri’s final India match, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee acknowledged his contributions in a heartfelt social media post.
"Welcome Sunil Chhetri @chetrisunil11 to the beginning of a glorious new journey. You start a new phase of life today. You have been a golden boy of Bengal, Captain of the Indian football team, a sports icon of Asia, a globally adored scorer, a giant achiever. I am sure that you will continue to play, add to our glory and achieve many more laurels for yourself and us. It is not a day of farewell for you. It is a day to renew your pledge to uphold the glory of your family, Bengal and India further and further. Wish and pray for your future successes," West Bengal CM wrote in apost on X.
(With inputs from agencies)
