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India captain Sunil Chhetri couldn’t hold back his tears and bid an emotional goodbye to football on Thursday, June 6. India was up against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Salt Lake Stadium, with the game ending in a 0-0 draw. After the match, Chhetri greeted the crowd present at the stadium who gave him a standing ovation for his wonderful two-decade-long career.
The 39-year-old found it difficult to control his tears as he took a lap, and received a guard of honour by his teammates. Sunil’s parents and wife were also in the stand seeing the footballer play his 151st game for the side. Not only this, but Sunil’s mother and wife Sonam also got emotional and were seen in tears as the Indian skipper bid goodbye to the sport.
A bit emotional but it's not very different: Sunil Chhteri’s father ahead of Kuwait game
Ahead of the game against Kuwait, Sunil’s father opened up about him playing his last India game. In a video doing rounds on social media, KB Chhetri could be heard saying, "A bit emotional but it's not very different. It's his last endeavour, last match in the Indian jersey. He'll play his normal game I think, that is what I have told him.”
Earlier during the pre-match conference, the footballer told reporters, "I think it's the right time. This is the right setup. It's one of the biggest games that I, who has played for 19 years, is going to play. We win, and we go to the third round where we've never been before. There couldn't be a better game for me to call it my last. I'm at peace from the inside. I've given whatever I had.”
