Sunil Chhetri's retirement: parents share heartfelt farewell video; fans and celebrities honour football legend

In an emotionally charged match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Thursday, June 6, the Indian football team, led by Sunil Chhetri, faced Kuwait. This game marked Chhetri’s final appearance in the Indian jersey, leaving players, fans, and celebrities teary-eyed.?

Chhetri received a standing ovation and took a heartfelt lap of honor, struggling to contain his emotions. His Indian teammates formed a guard of honor to pay tribute to his illustrious career. As India's top goal-scorer retired with 94 goals, fans bid farewell with heavy hearts.

The official Instagram page of the Indian Super League (@indiansuperleague) shared a video showing Chhetri’s emotional parents discussing his retirement. In the video, Chhetri’s mother said, “Woh toh dukh hai hi, main toh Maa hun (It is sad, I am his mother),” while his father expressed shock at the news.?

“There is always a 20-30 per cent indication that one day you will retire suddenly but the 70 per cent is not clear though,” he said. They expressed their pride and happiness for him. One user reacted to the video, saying, “Who’s cutting onions? This is so wholesome ??? thank you again Sunil sir.”?

Another user added, “Thanks to these two human who gave us such a great leader legend Sunil.” A third commented, “Legend never retire. Sunil Chhetri is always in our heart.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wished Chhetri on X, saying, “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.”

On another X post, @bengalurufc shared images of fans expressing their emotions while bidding farewell to Chhetri. One fan held a poster saying, “He is our Rolando, he is our Messi, he is our everything,” and another read, “Thank you Sunil. Divided by East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, United by Chhetri.”?

A user reacted, saying, “The last one hit different…?? Thank you for everything captain…” Another added, “Word. “He is our everything”!”

Sachin Tendulkar also shared a post on X, saying, “No goal is easy to achieve. Let alone 94 international ones. You’ve held the flag high, Sunil Chhetri. Congratulations on a remarkable career!”

Chhetri burst into tears receiving a standing ovation from sixty-thousand fans attending his final match.

“It’s not easy to retire from something you’re passionate about,” said one user. Another wrote, “Thank you captain.” A third added, “He’s been such a legend for Indian tbh world football.”

Cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal posted on X, “What a run you have had! Congratulations on an amazing career @chetrisunil11 Happy Retirement, legend.”

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.