Former Indian national football team captain Sunil Chhetri has opened up about his decision to retire from international football, revealing that he started contemplating it following the team’s defeat to Afghanistan at home in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Chhetri ended his illustrious 19-year international career with his 151st appearance after India’s goalless draw against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6, 2024. Since making his debut in 2005 against Pakistan and scoring his first senior goal in his first match, the 40-year-old has been a beacon for the country’s forward line over the past decade. His unmatched passion, dedication, work ethic, eagerness, and leadership have made him a national icon. Notably, he is the fourth-highest international goalscorer of all time with 94 goals, and he is also the most-capped player and the all-time top goalscorer for his country.

A couple of weeks before his final game against Kuwait, Chhetri revealed his potential retirement decision in a social media post. In an interview with The Lallantop, he discussed how he arrived at the heart-wrenching decision to step down from international football.

“I announced my retirement one month before the match. I didn’t want to announce it just after playing a match. I thought a lot and fought against myself. The mature side of me was saying to leave the ground for the new ones. The kid inside me kept saying to play for the country until I’m 60 or 70,” he revealed.

“I had not discussed this matter with anyone because I didn’t want anyone’s input in such a personal decision. When I decided, I told my wife, mom, and dad on the same day. My family has been entirely invested in my life. They have adjusted to living around my schedule, my matches, and my wins or losses. It became their habit. I didn’t want to seek different opinions from my family members,” he said.

India ultimately bowed out of the World Cup qualifiers in the second round following a defeat to Qatar away from home, with Kuwait advancing to the third round in their place. India began their qualifying campaign with an away win against Kuwait, but that would prove to be their only victory. They played out two draws and suffered three defeats in their following five games since November 2023.

When asked which moment led him to consider retiring from the national team, Chhetri shared, “We lost 2-1 against Afghanistan at home, a match that we should have won. We played really well and faced criticism, which was warranted. Later, I was counting how many matches were left. That qualifying round was set to conclude with the match against Qatar. A new qualifying fixture will come again for the next four years. I realised that there is nothing more I can add value to this team, and now it’s time for someone else to have the chance.”

“It’s a very personal thing that I’m sharing: if I got injured at 40 years of age, would I have the will to come back and fight and prove myself for the national team again? And if I never get the chance to retire because of an injury, can anyone forgive me, especially after playing 19 years for the country?” he explained.

“Firstly, I felt it was time to finish. Secondly, a new batch of players is coming, and they need time. And thirdly, there are many great players who did not get a good farewell. I didn’t want to be one of them. So, I pre-announced my decision, kept myself fit, played the match, and was done. But the day was strange,” he further analysed his decision.

On the show, Chhetri was also asked if he would like to become a coach. Despite his successful career as a footballer, the Bengaluru FC forward felt he was not suited for such a role.

“It’s very difficult to become a coach. I’m very selfish and self-centred; I am used to looking after myself. I am not a visionary,” he said.

“I am accustomed to a routine-based life and can encourage other players, but coaching a team involves more pressure. A coach cannot participate in the match. You can see everything and give instructions, but you can’t do anything yourself. It’s not that easy.”

“It is not easy to keep all the players calm and take care of them with love, especially since they come with different ideologies and egos. Making them understand your style of play is challenging. I don’t see myself as a football coach,” he stated.

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