The world on Thursday united to bid adieu to Sunil Chhetri with the worldwide governing physique FIFA and the Croatian nice Luca Modric becoming a member of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar in making the Indian soccer icon’s farewell actually worldwide. The 39-year-old retired as worldwide soccer’s fourth most prolific scorer with 94 targets from 151 matches. It’s an unbelievable feat for a participant whose nation continues to be struggling to seek out its footing in world soccer.
In his ultimate outing within the blue jersey, India had been held to a goalless draw by Kuwait within the 2026 World Cup Qualifier right here.
“After 19 years of service, farewell, @chetrisunil11,” FIFA posted on X moments after the match on the packed Salt Lake Stadium.
After 19 years of service, farewell, @chetrisunil11. #WCQ | @IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/mHuuJhvCid
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 6, 2024
The Asian Soccer Confederation (AFC) tweeted, “94 Worldwide Objectives. Carried the hopes of a nation! Thank You Asian Soccer Icon, Sunil Chhetri.”
Congratulating Chhetri on his wonderful profession, Indian cricket icon Tendulkar wrote on X: “No purpose is straightforward to attain. Not to mention 94 worldwide ones. You have held the flag excessive, Sunil Chhetri. Congratulations on a outstanding profession!”
No purpose is straightforward to attain.
Not to mention 94 worldwide ones.You have held the flag excessive, Sunil Chhetri.
Congratulations on a outstanding profession! pic.twitter.com/K9QSkcg0e3
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 6, 2024
Premier League India wrote on the social media platform, “Each soccer fan at present. We can’t exchange him. We can’t.” Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha additionally praised Chhetri for his outstanding profession.
“I believe what makes Sunil Chhetri a legend is not only the targets he scored for India and the longevity of his profession. It is also his teamwork, by no means say die perspective, work ethic & management. However most significantly, his position mannequin behaviour. We want extra Sunil Chhetri’s in Indian Sport,” Rasquinha tweeted.
“Having stated all the good issues about Chhetri, Im actually anxious about Indian soccer. That was a painful 90 minutes to look at. We had been sluggish, uninspiring, barely a shot on the Kuwait purpose. Struggling to string 4 passes collectively. Loads of introspection wanted for a recreation all of us love,” he added.
On the evening, all of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises additionally paid tributes to Chhetri, hailing him because the king of Indian soccer.
Earlier within the day, Croatia captain and Actual Madrid famous person Modric hailed Chhetri, introduced the curtains down on his stellar profession with the match towards Kuwait right here on Thursday, as a “legend of the sport”.
In a video message shared by Indian staff’s coach Igor Stimac, Modric stated, “Hello Sunil, I simply need to say hey and want you all one of the best in your final recreation for the nationwide staff.” “Congratulations in your profession, you’re a legend of this recreation and to your teammates, I hope you make his final recreation particular and unforgettable,” stated Modric, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner.
“Good luck and win in your captain. All one of the best and greatest regards from Croatia,” stated Modric who completed runner-up within the 2018 World Cup and grabbed the bronze medal in 2022.
With 94 targets, Chhetri retired because the fourth highest within the all-time listing of goal-scorers in worldwide soccer behind Cristiano Ronaldo (128), Ali Daei (108) and Lionel Messi (106).
(Apart from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is printed from a syndicated feed.)
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