Sunil Chhetri, the talismanic striker and captain of the Indian football team, has announced his retirement from international football. His illustrious career, spanning nearly two decades, has seen him score 94 goals and win 11 international trophies, making him arguably India’s greatest-ever footballer.
Sunil Chhetri’s legacy in Indian Football
Chhetri’s journey in football is nothing short of remarkable. From his humble beginnings at City Club to his spectacular debut in international football, where he scored the opening goal of the match against Pakistan, Chhetri has always risen to the occasion. His dedication, skill, and ability to score goals have been instrumental in India’s success on the football field.
Despite his retirement from international duties, Chhetri is expected to continue playing for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). However, the question that looms large is what role Chhetri will play in Indian football post-retirement.
Igor Stimac, the head coach of the Indian football team, has expressed his hope to see Chhetri in a new role. Given Chhetri’s experience, leadership skills, and immense contribution to Indian football, it is not far-fetched to envision him as the President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
“I hope to see you (Sunil Chhetri) as the President one day,” Stimac said during the press conference ahead of Chhetri’s farewell match against Kuwait at the FIFA Qualifiers.
Dear India,
Enjoy these last moments of Captain Fantastic Sunil Chhetri in Indian colours ⚽🇮🇳#SunilChhetri #CaptainFantastic #IndianFootball #IndvsKuw #indianfootballteam #bluetigers pic.twitter.com/iHPM0szh38— Khel Now (@KhelNow) June 5, 2024
Could we see Sunil Chettri as AIFF President?
As the AIFF President, Chhetri could bring a player’s perspective to the administration. His understanding of the game, coupled with his experience, could help in formulating policies that are in the best interest of the players and the sport. He could also play a crucial role in nurturing young talent and building a strong foundation for the future of Indian football.
Moreover, Chhetri’s popularity and respect among the football fraternity could help in promoting Indian football on a global platform. His leadership could also be instrumental in strengthening the domestic football structure, improving the quality of the league, and attracting more investment into the sport.
However, the transition from being a player to an administrator is not easy. It requires a different set of skills and a deep understanding of the administrative and operational aspects of the sport. But if there’s one thing that Chhetri has shown throughout his career, it’s that he is always up for a challenge.
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