Chhetri: Backbencher, prankster who will finish on top of the list

New Delhi: Football was not very close to Sunil Chhetri's heart during his days as a bubbly teenager with proclivity for pranks. He was only looking to use the sport as a vehicle to gain entry to a reputed college and continue his education.

Coming from a family with a background in football, Sunil was not aware that he was destined for greater things in the beautiful game, but his armyman father Kharga Chhetri had an inkling.

There is one day that I never forget and remember quite often is the first time I played for my country man, it was unbelievable. -Sunil Chhetri

As Chhetri senior nursed a dream to see his son become a professional footballer and achieve what he couldn't, Sunil's career started to take shape in the national capital as he represented City Club Delhi from 2001-02.

Then came the big break as Indian club football heavyweights Mohun Bagan, enamoured by his skills with the ball, signed him in 2002.

The rest, as they say, is history that deserves to be revisited on a day he declared that he would call time on his glorious, twodecade international career after the World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait next month.

The end to his international career as the country's mostcapped (150 matches) and most productive (94 goals) would be fittingly at Indian football's spiritual home. 

Real legend of the game: Sports world pays tribute to Chhetri

Batting maestro Virat Kohli, 2011 World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh and former star footballer Bhaichung Bhutia were among the leading sports personalities who lauded Sunil Chhetri's achievements after the iconic India striker on Thursday announced his decision to retire from international football.

Commenting on Chhetri's video post on Instagram, Kohli wrote for his good friend: "My brother. Proud." Yuvraj called him a legend, saying the legacy of the 39-yearold veteran of 150 national appearances will remain for a very long time.

RECORDS:

• First Indian to score 50 goals.
• Scored at least a goal in the first, 25th, 50th, 75th, 100th, 125th and 150th matches.
• With 94 Goals, Chhetri only behind C Ronaldo (128), and L Messi (106) among top international goalscorers

Major successes: Chhetri helped India win the Nehru Cup (2007, 2009, 2012); SAFF Championship (2011, 2015, 2021). (PTI)