Alt Title: Happy Retirement, Legend! India's Sunil Chhetri announces retirement from Int'l Football

Football has long held a special place in the hearts of Indians, with fervent support for teams in top European leagues. However, our national football team has often been overlooked. In recent years, though, there's been a notable shift as fans rally behind the Indian football team, thanks in large part to our 'Charismatic Captain' Sunil Chhetri.

Today, the iconic skipper announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39. He will play his final game for India on June 6, a decision he shared in a heartfelt video posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Ranked as the 4th highest goal scorer in international football, Sunil Chhetri stands just behind Iran's Ali Daei and the legendary duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Yet, his impact transcends mere statistics. Chhetri's leadership and inspirational presence have galvanized the next generation of Indian footballers, instilling in them the drive to compete against the best teams in the continent.

Moreover, Chhetri's deep connection with Indian fans is a testament to his legendary status. Whether rallying them to support his team or shouldering responsibility in times of struggle, he embodies the essence of true leadership.

On June 6, Chhetri will don the blue jersey for the last time with the iconic Number 11 on his back. Those precious 90 minutes, will mark the culmination of a storied career that has spanned nearly two decades.

One thing is certain, millions of Indian football fans, us included, will be glued to the screen, watching our captain weave his magic one last time.

Happy retirement, Legend!