In a candid revelation, Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has opened up about his future plans, hinting at a potential retirement from club football and confirming a definitive end to his storied international career. The legend shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview, painting a clear picture of what lies ahead.
Fans of Indian football are now eagerly watching, as Chhetri’s final chapter on the pitch could be drawing to a close sooner than many anticipated.
The Future of a Legend: Sunil Chhetri’s Club Retirement Plans
The veteran striker, currently with Bengaluru FC, revealed a significant condition for his potential club retirement. Chhetri stated he could hang up his boots at the end of the 2025-26 season.
This decision hinges on whether Bengaluru FC can secure an Indian Super League (ISL) title and qualify for continental competitions.
The ISL Imperative for Continued Play
“If we win the ISL, it will give me a chance to wear national (winning) club colours and play in international competitions again. At 42, it’s not easy,” Chhetri explained. His desire to compete at the highest club level remains strong.
He expressed a personal goal for the upcoming season: “I want to score 15 goals this season and retire.” This ambition underscores his commitment to ending his career on a high note.
A Final Bow: Chhetri’s International Journey Concludes
Chhetri had initially concluded his international career last June, celebrated with a heartfelt farewell in Kolkata. However, he was persuaded to return for a brief stint in June this year by then-coach Manolo Marquez.
Now, with India eliminated from the Asian Cup 2027 final round qualifiers, Chhetri has firmly stated that his journey with the national team has come to a definitive end.
The Brief Comeback Explained
The decision to return was primarily driven by the national team’s qualification efforts. “When I joined the national team, my only goal was to help as much as possible in the qualifiers. There was nothing else,” Chhetri shared.
His exceptional form in the ISL, where he scored 14 goals, was a key factor in the coach’s persistence. Despite initial reluctance and family skepticism, he “went with the gut.”
Here are the key factors that led to his brief return to the national squad:
- His stellar performance in the ISL season, scoring 14 goals.
- Persistent calls from then-coach Manolo Marquez.
- A strong desire to contribute to India’s Asian Cup qualification efforts.
- A personal “gut feeling” to play for the country once more.
No Regrets, Just Disappointment
Despite the high hopes, India’s performance didn’t pan out as desired, remaining winless in four games and exiting the qualifiers. Chhetri scored only once in six matches since his comeback, taking his international tally to 95 goals—the fourth highest in men’s football history.
“When I chose to come back, I knew this was a possibility because I’ve played long enough,” he reflected. “For me, there are no regrets. The regret is that we did not qualify. I gave my best in those four games.”
Leadership and Legacy: Passing the Captain’s Armband
During his brief return, Chhetri made it clear to both coaches that he would not accept the captaincy. This decision allowed other experienced players like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, and Rahul Bheke to take on leadership roles.
He expressed immense gratitude for his time with the squad. “I am really grateful to the whole national camp,” he added. “It felt like returning to family. I received so much respect.”
However, a tinge of bitterness remains regarding the team’s missed opportunity: “I am just a little bitter because we should have qualified. We did not perform the way we could have, and that’s why we are where we are.”
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for an Indian Football Icon
Sunil Chhetri’s latest revelations mark a pivotal moment for Indian football. His conditions for club retirement add an extra layer of excitement and urgency to Bengaluru FC’s upcoming seasons, while his definitive international farewell closes an unparalleled chapter in the nation’s sporting history.
As fans reflect on his incredible legacy, all eyes will now be on Bengaluru FC’s performance and Chhetri’s quest to achieve his final club goals before potentially drawing the curtain on a truly legendary career.