Sunil Chhetri Retirement: 'My Brother, Legend, My Captain' - Virat Kohli, CSK, Neeraj Chopra and More - How World Sports Reacted to India Captain's Swansong Announcement

Add as a preferred source on Google

The Indian Football Team won't have the short-statured gladiator in their dressing room anymore as Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement from international football.

India's captain supremo released a poignant message on Thursday and announced that the upcoming international match against Kuwait on June 6th will be his swansong for the Blue Tigers.

The undulating piece of news has come as a surprise to not just the footballing fraternity, but the entire sports fraternity of India and beyond.

Sunil Chhetri, the robust striker, the leader on the field, and the game-changer of the Indian team, will be hanging his boots after just one more match - the news is still not easy to digest for many of his teammates.

But as the news broke, the stars of the other sports genres shared their thoughts on social media. On Chhetri's Instagram post, a plethora of who's who of the Indian sports fraternity expressed their love and respect for the Indian captain.

Virat Kohli, the modern maverick of Indian cricket team has a closed knit relationship with Chhetri. He commented, "My Brother, Proud," on Chhetri's Instagram post.

India's badminton star PV Sindhu commented, "Wishing you the happiest of retirements captain".

The FIFA World Cup page also hailed the Indian captain and termed Sunil as 'Legend' in their tribute.

AIFF chief Kalyan Chaubey took to X and wrote a heartfelt message to the 39-year-old.

"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," Chaubey wrote on his X profile.

Apart from that, IPL franchises Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings were amongst the teams to tribute the Indian legend.

"Captain Leader Legend. Big whistles on the trailblazing career," Chennai Super Kings commented.

India's Olympic Gold medalist Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra wrote, "Captain. You are an inspiration, and your impact on Indian sport can never be erased".

Chhetri's India and Bengaluru FC teammate Gurpreet Singh Sandhu says he never wanted the inevitable day to come and penned an eye-watering message.

"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," Gurpreet wrote.

Pritam Kotal also penned a message for his captain.

Premier League India also reacted to Sunil's retirement.

Lallianzuala Chhangte has also vowed to make sure Sunil Chhetri's swansong is a memorable one. The Blue Tigers will take on Kuwait in a crucial match in Kolkata and if they can win the match, they will be on their way to qualify for the next stages in the World Cup qualifiers.