'A true legend of the game': Social media reacts to Chhetri's final i’ntl game
Tributes have poured in from fans, colleagues, politicians, celebrities, and other sportspersons all honouring the legend of Indian football.
Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri graced the national colours for the final time on Thursday, in a poignant goalless draw against Kuwait.
With a remarkable career spanning 19 years, adorned with 151 international appearances and a plethora of records, Chhetri solidifies his legacy as the fourth-highest all-time goalscorer, boasting an impressive tally of 94 goals.
𝐂𝐡𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬! 🙌
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) June 6, 2024
There will be only one #SC11 🫶#FIFAWorldCup #BlueTigers #IndianFootball #BackTheBlue #ThankYouSC11 #SunilChhetri | @JioCinema @Sports18 @IndianFootball @BluePilgrims @chetrisunil11 pic.twitter.com/KZigXMOuCF
As the curtains gracefully close on his illustrious journey, Chhetri, with humility and grace, took a heartfelt lap around the stadium with his eyes reflecting the depth of emotions felt at that moment.
Sunil Chhetri bid farewell to international football, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for eternity, reactions flooded social media from every corner.
Here's a glimpse of how social media responded to the news:
9️⃣4️⃣ International Goals
— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) June 6, 2024
🇮🇳 Carried the hopes of a nation!
🫡 Thank You Asian Football Icon, Sunil Chhetri 🙏#ThankYouSC11 | #AsianQualifiers pic.twitter.com/KtXyvNeIKR
After 19 years of service, farewell, @chetrisunil11. 🇮🇳❤️#WCQ | @IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/mHuuJhvCid
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 6, 2024
No goal is easy to achieve.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 6, 2024
Let alone 94 international ones.
You've held the flag high, Sunil Chhetri.🇮🇳⚽
Congratulations on a remarkable career! pic.twitter.com/K9QSkcg0e3
Right from that first day we started this revolution of Blue Pilgrims in Goa, till date in Kolkata, you’ve been carrying the weight of the national football team on your shoulders. You put us on the World Map with your goals. Your legacy is irreplaceable.Go well @chetrisunil11 💙 pic.twitter.com/khcR4gb6iP
— Blue Pilgrims 🇮🇳 (@BluePilgrims) June 6, 2024
From walking behind you being nervous and unsure to walking being fearless , thats the kind of impact you had on not only me but many of us. Words cannot express your contribution to Indian Football , always my captain. Happy International Retirement @chetrisunil11 bhai pic.twitter.com/JIV0Wt82pg
— Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (@GurpreetGK) June 7, 2024
You played your part,
— Rahul Bheke (@RahulBheke) June 6, 2024
You were class apart.
Every quote and anecdote,
Mentions you as the GOAT.
One Captain.
One Leader.
One Legend.
Only One Sunil Chhetri.
Thank you for all the inspiration BHAI.🙌#ThankYouSC11 #LegendForever pic.twitter.com/4ibqeNuQ1j
#SunilChhetri
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) June 6, 2024
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🛰️ \
🌏@chetrisunil11, legend, you’re OUT OF THIS WORLD! 💙💜 pic.twitter.com/j3L1FX5FO6
A true legend of the game!
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) June 6, 2024
Wishing the best for you @chetrisunil11 bhai. 🐐⚽ pic.twitter.com/SDsuJHmw9H
Thanks for inspiring us and pushing us to be our best. It was a pleasure and fortune to share the national team dressing room with you.
— Pritam Kotal (@KotalPritam) June 7, 2024
Thanks for everything Captain! You will be missed 🙏
Captain Leader Legend The Sunil Chhetri💙#sunilchhetri #farewell pic.twitter.com/11A8GCbwdo
Voiced 41 of his 94 goals.
— Anant Tyagi (@anantyagi_) June 7, 2024
Lived every bit of the other 53 as a fan.
Countless memories with the great man.
Farewell Captain, Leader, Legend 🙌❤️ pic.twitter.com/K5zm4BoOfX
आपने हमारा झंडा बहुत ऊंचा लहराया, @chetrisunil11 bhai. 🇮🇳
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) June 7, 2024
Congratulations on an amazing international career! 👏 pic.twitter.com/w5hhq4iSQn
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Welcome Sunil Chhetri @chetrisunil11 to the beginning of a glorious new journey. You start a new phase of life today.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 6, 2024
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…
Indian football skipper @chetrisunil11 hangs up his boots after a legendary 19-year career. His dedication, leadership, and goal-scoring prowess have set a benchmark in Indian football. We will forever cherish the magical moments he gifted us on the football field. Best wishes to… pic.twitter.com/f2AFiKVo8y
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) June 7, 2024
An epic service to the National Team! 🇮🇳
— East Bengal FC (@eastbengal_fc) June 6, 2024
Thank you for everything, Sunil! 🫡#IndianFootball #ThankYouSC11 pic.twitter.com/owcB2Xvvj6
Dear Sunil. Thanks for everything you did for #IndianFootball on and off the field. It's been a pleasure reporting on your journey all through these years. This personalised jersey is framed at home and remains a priceless treasure. Best wishes for the future. pic.twitter.com/XAKnUZ4hPg
— Marcus Mergulhao (@MarcusMergulhao) June 6, 2024
Go well @chetrisunil11 Any country, in any era, would be proud to call you its own. It’s our good fortune we get to call you ours. Gratitude and respect. pic.twitter.com/7GUXPHiL4y
— Rahul Bose (@RahulBose1) June 6, 2024
Thank you for all you have done for Indian Football, thank you for everything skipper! 🥹🐐 #ThankYouSC11 #SunilChhetri pic.twitter.com/5Hvu0Fi7Cs
— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) June 6, 2024
“Your fame is well deserved. They say there’s never been a Gladiator like you.” 🫡#SunilChhetri 🇮🇳 #ThankYouSC11 #ChhetriForever ♾️ pic.twitter.com/hgRwsjCbBg
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) June 6, 2024
Everything that has to be said has been said, so I’ll keep it simple. Thank you for everything, skip. You’ve carried that shirt with pride for the best part of two decades, and we’ll forever be indebted.#ThankYouSC11 pic.twitter.com/xFgUxNkDRO
— Darren Caldeira (@darrencaldeira) June 6, 2024
1 man, 94 international goals, countless memories. Take a bow, legend! 💙
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) June 6, 2024
Congratulations on a remarkable career, Captain @chetrisunil11 pic.twitter.com/EAdIbaWycK
Congratulations on a fantastic career, @chetrisunil11! Wish you the best in your future endeavours.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) June 6, 2024
Congrats on an incredible journey, @chetrisunil11! You’ve been a true inspiration on and off the field. Here’s to new adventures, bro! #Legend #CheersToYou
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) June 6, 2024
You are one of the few people who have pushed me to where I am today and alter my perspective towards many things. There will be a wide empty space you left behind no one else will be able to fill. We'll work hard to continue the legacy you left behind and walk in your footsteps pic.twitter.com/M7SWnBmtZh
— Lallianzuala Chhangte (@lzchhangte7) June 7, 2024
