'End of an Era!' - Social Media reacts to Sunil Chhetri's International retirement
Chhetri will draw the curtains on his legendary international career at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on June 6.
Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri has announced he will retire from international football after India's upcoming FIFA World Cup qualification match against Kuwait on June 6.
Chhetri, who turns 40 in August, shared a heartfelt video on his social media accounts, confirming that he will make one final appearance for India next month.
His journey began in 2005 with a memorable debut against Pakistan in Quetta, where his solitary goal secured a 1-1 draw for the national team. Since then, Chhetri has etched his name in Indian football history, accumulating an impressive 150 caps and an unparalleled tally of 94 goals. His goal-scoring prowess places him third among the highest international goal-scorers, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
As the Indian captain decides to bring his illustrious career to a close, reactions flood social media from every corner.
Here's a glimpse of how social media responded to the news:
Indian cricket icon and his friend, Virat Kohli was among the first to leave a comment on Chhetri’s Instagram video.
“My Brother, PROUD”, wrote Kohli.
Other sports personalities and Bollywood celebrities also shared their comments.
"Captain. You are an inspiration, and your impact on Indian sport can never be erased. 🇮🇳," said Indian Track and Field Athlete Neeraj Chopra.
"🥹❤🙏🏽 ICON. HERO. LEGEND. A bittersweet moment for us, who have been touched and inspired by your greatness. Thank you for bringing us so much joy and glory, Captain. Love you forever! ♾," wrote Bollywood star Ranveer Singh.
"Much love Sunil. Have a happy and strong last show. Full power man 🙌❤️🔥," said actor Siddharth Suryanarayan.
"Wishing you the happiest of retirements captain ❤🙌", wrote Indian Badminton Player PV Sindhu.
"you're the G.O.A.T. of Indian football . Your legacy will forever inspire generations to come. Wishing you an incredible retirement filled with even more greatness. 🐐🇮🇳⚽," wrote Indian Table Tennis player Manika Batra.
Your legacy on and off-the-field will always be remembered! 💙
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) May 16, 2024
You have always been and will continue to inspire us.
Thank you @chetrisunil11 for your leadership, dedication and commitment to Indian football.
©️aptain. Leader. Legend.#IndianFootball ⚽️ #ThankYouSC11 https://t.co/AO2T0eNeoW
One last dance. 🇮🇳
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) May 16, 2024
It's been the honour of our lives, skipper. 🫡#SC11 #ChhetriForever #INDvKUW pic.twitter.com/lbqg78rfux
Retiring as a legend. ❤️
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) May 16, 2024
Alright then captain. One last time. 💙🇮🇳 https://t.co/NS5LqCkvI8
— Blue Pilgrims 🇮🇳 (@BluePilgrims) May 16, 2024
Football will be poorer without you on the pitch, but your legacy will forever be etched in our souls. The chants of "Chhetri...Chhetri" will echo long after you're gone. Thank you for the memories, the dreams, and the endless hope. You will always be our captain. 🇮🇳💙 https://t.co/3Eq8KDhpeZ
— West Block Blues - Bengaluru FC (@WestBlockBlues) May 16, 2024
Never wanted to see this happen , i wish I could do something to change your mind but i also understand why it is happening bhai. The whole country needs to celebrate your International career on the 6th of June the way you deserve. My Captain https://t.co/L3Fd5buXk1
— Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (@GurpreetGK) May 16, 2024
My Captain… https://t.co/J0XoZyoqxt pic.twitter.com/txu6i1AcaF
— Sandesh Jhingan (@SandeshJhingan) May 16, 2024
I never imagined I’d be saying this so soon, but here we are. Really sad I can’t be there for this important day. Thank you for being our captain and guiding us all the way. Our 100-meter race is still on. You’ll always be our captain and inspiration. https://t.co/1GoGqvRdYa
— Akash Mishra (@akashmishra_4) May 16, 2024
Absolutely thrilled and honored to still have the chance to work with you, @chetrisunil11. As a coach, I’ve never seen such a humble personality with so many interpersonal qualities. Love you, my friend. https://t.co/ZViOMHakTP
— Gerard Zaragoza (@gerardzaragoza) May 16, 2024I respect Sunil's decision to retire from intl football. We have been on the same side of the field learning & pushing each other. He has been an inspiration, having set high standards. Good luck my friend for your life beyond the field. Looking forward to walking it together.
— Subrata Paul (@THESUBRATAPAUL) May 16, 2024
There are few players without who the sport is left poorer. Sunil Chhetri is one. We are lucky to had him play for India. it is not over yet. He still has to lead us against Kuwait and win it for us, to make the most fond farewell for Sunil and for Indian football. Wish him best
— Kalyan Chaubey (@kalyanchaubey) May 16, 2024
My journey in Indian football started with you Sunil - you are forever my captain, my leader and my legend - the GOAT of Indian football and one of the nicest people I have ever met. A great leader and a true patriot - congratulations on an incredible career for India -… https://t.co/xsH0UpULEC
— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) May 16, 2024
End of an era! Sunil Chhetri, a true legend and an inspiration to millions. Your passion, dedication, and unforgettable moments on the field have left an indelible mark on the sport.
— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) May 16, 2024
Thank you for the memories and the legacy you leave behind. Here's to your next chapter! 🌟👏… https://t.co/RwHTTQFWoI
Your career has been nothing short of extraordinary and you have been a phenomenal icon for Indian football and Indian sports. Go well, Captain! #TeamIndia https://t.co/g2a0yXRv5i
— BCCI (@BCCI) May 16, 2024
Congratulations on a fantastic career Legend👏🏻
— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) May 16, 2024
Wishing the best for you🤗♥ https://t.co/xf0hHztcwS
What a run you have had! 👏
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) May 16, 2024
Congratulations on an amazing career @chetrisunil11 ✨
Happy Retirement, legend 🫡 pic.twitter.com/eWnEm1W616
Thank you for everything idol @chetrisunil11 bhai !
— Nishu Kumar (@nishukumar22) May 16, 2024
It’s been an honour to share dressing room with you bhai 🙌🏻🙏🏻..#captainleaderlegend
Records that will never be broken. Inspired generations. Did it with class mate. Enjoy your last game, be at peace ♥️
— ErikPaartalu (@ErikPaartalu) May 16, 2024
There will be never be another quite like him! #SC11 Forever ❤️🙌 https://t.co/AY1HS6L6Hp
— Anant Tyagi (@anantyagi_) May 16, 2024
O captain ,My Captain..
— Pritam Kotal (@KotalPritam) May 16, 2024
You have been an inspiration for this generation and many more generations to come. I will cherish all the time we have spent together in the National Team. Thank You @chetrisunil11 and in true sense you would always be “Captain, Leader, Legend”. https://t.co/BpBCIrl4fD
Really nice interview from @chetrisunil11 🇮🇳 enjoyed listening to that.
— Joel Chianese (@Joel_Chianese) May 16, 2024
All great things come to an end. https://t.co/Rg29K1uj0n
A legend of the sport who’s inspired people of every generation and made his name synonymous to Indian Football.
— Aditi Chauhan GK 🇮🇳 (@aditi03chauhan) May 16, 2024
To play a sport like football at the top level for 19 years consistently is not easy,it speaks volumes of this dedication and hard work
Happy retirement captain 🫡🙌 https://t.co/EEENz5mJV6
Close to 2 decades of a journey that’s been nothing short of incredible, I’m glad to have been a part of that. Thank you for all the memories. See you on 6th ❤️ @chetrisunil11 https://t.co/ecNN4rt58T
— robin singh (@robin_singh_23) May 16, 2024
An inspiration to many; whose game spirit will always be remembered. @chetrisunil11, you inspired generations with your hard work. The legacy of football will always prevail strong. All the best wishes for the future, champ!💙🙌#SunilChhetri #HappyRetirementLegend https://t.co/Db36a23hSE
— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) May 16, 2024
Leaving a legacy to be cherish for years to come 🙌🏻
— Dalima Chhibber (@DalimaChhibber) May 16, 2024
Congratulations @chetrisunil11 on an amazing career! https://t.co/XFG8Ft0w11
The end of an era for Indian football…Congratulations on a stellar career!🇮🇳⚽️ @chetrisunil11 https://t.co/806MVGvpZ4
— Jehan Daruvala (@DaruvalaJehan) May 16, 2024
As you close this chapter of your illustrious career Dear @chetrisunil11 , your journey stands as a beacon of dedication and excellence in Indian sport. From leading our national team with unparalleled passion to inspiring millions with your commitment and humility, you have…
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) May 16, 2024
What a great career @chetrisunil11. You can be so proud of everything you have achieved. I now look forward to you in a studio helping people like us appreciate a game that we like even more. You will be an absolute star at it. https://t.co/e13Px4PbKT
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 16, 2024
Thank you for everything capitano @chetrisunil11 https://t.co/kMJrAINwbM
— jeje fanai (@jejefanai) May 16, 2024
Been fortunate to play alongside you & learn invaluable lessons: age is just a number, & hard work can achieve anything. It's been an honor to share the field with you Captain & to call you a friend. Congrats on an illustrious career bhai. You’ve inspired the nation & beyond.❤️🫶 https://t.co/vI8IzbBR6J
— Roy Krishna 🇫🇯🇳🇿 (@RoyKrishna21) May 17, 2024