Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri retired yesterday. The 39-year-old striker has been the face of Indian football for years, leading the national team with unwavering dedication and inspiring countless youngsters. Sunil Chhetri is considered the fourth-highest goal scorer in the world after Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei, and Lionel Messi. Chhetri has scored 94 goals for India in a career spanning two decades. Bollywood celebs paid tribute to Sunil Chhetri after his international retirement.
Actor Arjun Kapoor added a photo of football legend Sunil Chhetri to his Instagram story and wrote, “End of an era! Thank you, Sunil Chhetri, for the memories, passion, and unmatched dedication.” He also added a red heart and a football emoji.
Abhishek Bachchan also posted a picture of Sunil Chhetri on Instagram. In the photo, Chhetri is seen standing with folded hands in the stadium. He is wearing a football jersey. Sharing the photo, he wrote, “Cap, on such a legendary career! It has been a pleasure to see you play for the country and lead by example. To one of the greatest ever Indian sportsmen. Thank You!”
The post went viral in no time. Fans showered heart emoticons in the comment box.
Apart from Bollywood celebrities, former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar also paid tribute to Sunil Chhetri. Sharing a picture of him from his last match on Instagram, he wrote, “No goal is easy to achieve, let alone 94 international ones. You have held the flag high, Sunil Chhetri. Congratulations on a remarkable career!
Chhetri began his professional career at Mohun Bagan in 2002, moving to JCT, where he scored 21 goals in 48 games. She helped India win the 2007, 2009, and 2012 Nehru Cups, as well as the 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023 SAFF Championships. He also led India to victory in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup, which qualified them for their first AFC Asian Cup in 27 years.
He received the Arjuna Award in 2011 for his outstanding sporting achievement and the Padma Shri Award in 2019, India’s fourth highest civilian award. In 2021, he bagged the Khel Ratna Award and became the first footballer to receive the award.
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