New Delhi. After champion footballer Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, sports luminaries including Virat Kohli, 2011 World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh and star footballer Bhaichung Bhutia praised his achievements.
Chhetri, who has been captaining the national team for a long time, announced his retirement after the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6. Responding to Chhetri’s video posted on Instagram, Kohli described him as his good friend and wrote, “Proud of you my brother. Calling him a ‘legend’, Yuvraj said the 39-year-old’s long legacy of playing 150 national matches will remain intact for a long time.
He wrote on his Instagram story, “A true legend of the game who took Indian football to the global stage. Your passion has inspired a generation to get into this game. Your legacy will always be remembered in Indian sports. Now that you are ready to play your farewell match, you can look back with pride. Thanks ‘Legend’. “Legendary Indian striker Bhutia told PTI that this is a huge loss for Indian football.
Former Indian captain Bhutia said, “There is no doubt that Sunil is one of the greatest players of India. His contribution to Indian football is immense. This will be a big loss for Indian football. Bhutia said, “I am fortunate to have played with him as a senior player. When I came, I am Vijayan was my senior and after me Sunil came. I am very fortunate to have captained the team between two legends who led Indian football. ,
Cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, a member of the Indian team for the T20 World Cup, wrote on ‘X’, “What a wonderful journey you have had. Congratulations to you on this wonderful career. Chhetri’s club Bengaluru FC and Indian teammate goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu wrote on ‘X’, “Never wanted to see this happen. I wish I could do something to change your mind but I understand why this is happening brother. My captain, the entire nation needs to celebrate your international career on June 6 in the way you deserve. ,
The All India Football Federation said that Chhetri will continue to inspire the coming generation. The federation said, “Your legacy on and off the field will always be remembered. You always inspire us and will always continue to do so. Thanks. The Indian Cricket Board described Chhetri as a ‘fantastic icon’ and said he had ‘an extraordinary career and you have been a wonderful icon’ for Indian football and Indian sports. Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav gave Chhetri a brilliant career.
Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, while saluting the number 11 jersey, said, “What a wonderful journey you have had, Captain. 94 international goals, so many achievements, you have inspired so many young Indians to dream big. Goodbye to the number 11 (number nine) jersey, but India’s number one captain. ,