Sunil Chhetri Retirement: Mehtab Hossain 'Proud' of his 'Friend' Sunil's amazing Legacy in Indian Football

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Former India midfielder Mehtab Hossain has hailed Sunil Chhetri's legacy in Indian football and stresses that the India captain has taken his decision to retire from international football on his own terms.

The entire footballing fraternity was sent into shock as Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement from international football on Thursday (May 16).

The upcoming World Cup qualifier match against Kuwait on June 6 will be Chhetri's final adventure with Blue Tigers, who sits atop numerous records and has been a legend of the game.

The Indian captain boasts 151 appearances for the Blue Tigers and has 94 goals in national colours, which is the most by any player for India. He is also the third-highest goal-scorer in international football among active players, only after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

And former India midfielder Mehtab Hossain, who started his career alongside Chhetri at Mohun Bagan, is immensely proud of his 'friend'.

"A player like Sunil Chhetri knows when to stop. We won't see him for India, but we can still watch him in ISL. But the way he has elevated himself, I am very proud," Hossain told MyKhel Exclusively on Thursday.

"He is my friend. We started alongside at Mohun Bagan. The way he has represented himself for India amazes me. It has always been a great pleasure watching him and I doubt anyone can fill Sunil's void in the Indian team," the former India midfielder added.

When asked about if Sunil's decision will dent India's proceedings in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Mehtab says the decision of retirement is solely of the player and the Blue Tigers will have to continue his legacy.

"It is his personal decision. He understands perfectly when to stop, and we have to respect that."

The 39-year-old will be playing his 152nd and final international match for India as he takes the field at his beloved Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on June 6 against Kuwait. Apart from Sunil's retirement, the match will be massive for the Indian Football Team as well as a win can bolster their hopes for the 3rd stage of Asian Qualifiers.