Sunil Chhetri Retirement: Sunil Chhetri in tears as Salt Lake gives standing ovation to legend on farewell
Xtra Time Web Desk: India captain Sunil Chhetri was in tears as the Salt Lake Stadium gave a standing ovation to the legendary footballer after his final game at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Sunil Chhetri's final game for India ended in a 0-0 draw against Kuwait. Chhetri took a lap of honour at the end of the game in the Salt Lake Stadium, which stood on its feet, chanting the name of the footballer.
The Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan was awash with emotion. Football fans filled the stands to witness the captain's farewell match. Sunil Chhetri's parents, Kharga and Sushila Chhetri, were present to watch their son's last international match. Sunil's wife, Sonam, was also in the stands with their young son, Dhrub. Several big names in Indian football came to Yuba Bharati for the last time to see Sunil's magic in the blue jersey. Everyone was moved to tears by the departing legend.
A very emotional moment for Sunil Chhetri. He couldn't hold his tears as the team members give him guard of honor. pic.twitter.com/wt2qjuDs9A
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) June 6, 2024
India vs Kuwait, FIFA WC Qualifiers: Sunil Chhetri's final game ends in 0-0 draw
The Indian players also gave Chhetri the guard of honour at the end of the match as they bid goodbye to the legendary footballer. Chhetri retired as the highest goal scorer of India (94) after playing the most matches for the team.
A very emotional moment for Sunil Chhetri. He couldn't hold his tears as the team members give him guard of honor. pic.twitter.com/wt2qjuDs9A
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) June 6, 2024
Salt Lake Stadium kept buzzing throughout the game. The tifos praised Chhetri's commitment to India football and called him the golden boy. The other tifos paid tribute to the Indian captain for his sensational performance and longevity for India. Chhetri's father was also present in the ground and told the media that he was a little emotional for his son's final match for the national team.
Read More: Sunil Chhetri Retirement: Sunil Chhetri bids farewell to Indian football, leaving behind a void and a myriad of questions
Sunil Chhetri's final international game before retirement suffered a not-so-ideal fate after India played out a disappointing 0-0 draw against Kuwait on June 6 in what was their FIFA World Cup Qualifier clash. Playing the entirety of the match, Chhetri was not able to end his already iconic India career with one more match-winning goal. The 39-year-old ended his career as the fourth-highest goalscorer in men's international football, behind the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Ali Daei.
