Mamata Banerjee bestows Sunil Chhetri with Special Chain made of 19 Guineas after Farewell

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Sunil Chhetri had his swansong as an India player in the World Cup Qualifiers match against Kuwait on Thursday (June 6).

The illustrious career of Sunil Chhetri, the legend of Indian football ended as the striker played his final hurrah at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

Ahead of the match, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had a phone call with the India captain and wished him for his magnificent career. She also penned a heartfelt message through her X profile for Sunil Chhetri.

"Welcome Sunil Chhetri to the beginning of a glorious new journey. You start a new phase of life today. You have been a golden boy of Bengal, Captain of the Indian football team, a sports icon of Asia, a globally adored scorer, a giant achiever. I am sure that you will continue to play, add to our glory and achieve many more laurels for yourself and us," the message from Mamata Banerjee wrote.

"It is not a day of farewell for you. It is a day to renew your pledge to uphold the glory of your family, Bengal and India further and further. Wish and pray for your future successes," it added.

Mamata Banerjee gifts Sunil Chhetri special Chain

As per reports, the West Bengal Chief Minister has gifted Sunil Chhetri a special chain to commemorate the stellar career of the India captain.

Banerjee, as per reports, gifted Chhetri a specially made chain, which was designed by the West Bengal chief minister herself. The chain holds 19 Guineas, which represents the 19-year-long international career of the India captain.

Sunil Chhetri made his India debut back in 2005. The India captain, since, has made 151 appearances for the Blue Tigers and ends with 94 goals, the third-highest for an international team, only after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

But the mood in Kolkata was a bit sombre as the Blue Tigers were held to a goalless stalemate. Although Chhetri has hung his boots for the Blue Tigers, he is expected to play in the ISL in the upcoming season.