FIFA pays tribute to Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri
Xtra Time Web Desk: Football's world governing body FIFA led the outpouring of tributes that came in from different quarters following talismanic Indian captain Sunil Chhetri's decision to retire from international football.
Chhetri, the long-serving national team captain announced his decision to call it a day after the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6.
‘Ready for one last dance.’ captioned FIFA World Cup in its 'X' handle to a graphic-generated photo of Chhetri sharing the podium with world football superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the three leading active international goalscorers.
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Ready for one last dance. ????????????
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 6, 2024
Ronaldo (128 goals) is seen on the top of the podium, while Messi (106) and Chhetri (94) takes the next two spots.
FIFA had earlier in 2022 released a documentary on the long-serving Indian captain, titled 'Captain Fantastic'; it had three parts -- kick off, mid-game and extra time.
Batting maestro Virat Kohli, 2011 World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh and former star footballer Bhaichung Bhutia were among the leading sports personalities who lauded Chhetri's achievements.
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Thank you Luka ????
— Igor Štimac (@stimac_igor) June 5, 2024
We will do everything in our power to make our country and our captain proud ???????? @lukamodric10 @chetrisunil11 @IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/eHPyPfnToi
Apart from that Real Madrid’s Champions League winner and Croatian football captain Luka Modric had a heartwarming message for the Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri ahead of his last international game. Modric, who recently won his sixth UEFA Champions League title with Real Madrid, was all praise for Chhetri ahead of his final appearance for India.
“Hi Sunil, I want to say congratulations and wish you all the best in your last game for the national team. You are a legend of this game. To your teammates, I hope you make his last game memorable. Good luck and win it for your captain,” Modric said in a video that was shared by Indian head coach Igor Stimac on his social media.
“Thank you Luka. We will do everything in our power to make our country and our captain proud,” Stimac, himself a Croatian, wrote in caption.
