"Him playing that many games probably cost Portugal...": Ex-England international slams Cristiano Ronaldo after achieving personal milestone
WATCH: Sunil Chhetri fails to hold back his tears during guard of honour after farewell game against Kuwait
India's legendary footballer Sunil Chhetri broke down in tears as he received guard of honour from his teammates after goalless draw against Kuwait.
![WATCH: Sunil Chhetri fails to hold back his tears during guard of honour after farewell game against Kuwait An emotional Sunil Chhetri after his farewell game (Screengrab: X)](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240606T161723504Z497745/20240606T161723504Z497745_400_225.webp?width=180&quality=60)
Indian captain Sunil Chhetri could not get his fairytale ending. Chhetriβs farewell game against Kuwait at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, ended in a goalless draw. After the game, Chhetri took a lap around the ground. Later, he got a guard of honour from his teammates and coaching staff during which he broke down in tears.
Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu tried to comfort it. Chhetri took his time before he acknowledged his teammates and walked towards the tunnel.
Earlier, on the eve of the clash against Kuwait, Chhetri was asked whether he would consider taking a U-turn on his retirement if India advance to the third round of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Chhetri replied with a stern βNoβ.
"No sir, the suits are made, I'm going to go and watch the boys play as a fan. I'm not somebody who just says something that comes on his mind, I might look like that but I think a lot and I've given it my thought. It's been 19 years I had a great ride, and this is it," the 39-year-old said in the pre-match press conference.
"It's not a joke, I'm highly grateful, it's the right time, there couldn't be a better game to call it my last. I'm at peace."
Chhetri also revealed that his teammates have jokingly asked him whether his decision is final because they want his attacking position in the team.
"Manvir (Singh) can't wait, I'm sure Siva (Sivasakthi Narayanan), can't wait, Parthib (Gogoi)... I see Rahim (Ali) staring at my eyes and asking, 'pakka aap wapas nahin aaoge na...' (You're not coming back right).
"They know the door is now open. There are so many who can do well and they can't wait they just want 'ek baar apne bol diya dobara mat ana galti se ab' (once you have announced it don't come back my mistake)," the talismanic footballer said.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Quick Links
Popular Posts
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240906T181013063Z620307/20240906T181013063Z620307_400_225.webp)
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240906T122704308Z364366/20240906T122704308Z364366_400_225.webp)
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Argentina thrashed Chile as star player misses out due to injury
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240906T094236506Z855858/20240906T094236506Z855858_400_225.webp)
Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo gets overwhelmed with emotions after scoring 900th goal of his career during Nations League clash against Croatia
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240905T185335759Z066257/20240905T185335759Z066257_400_225.webp)
Alex Morgan retires: United States womenβs national team stalwart Alex Morgan announces retirement after illustrious career
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240904T200050236Z257429/20240904T200050236Z257429_400_225.webp)
Ballon d'Or 2024: Jude Bellingham to Erling Halaand, check stars that made it into Ballon d'Or 2024 shortlist
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240904T195505773Z117051/20240904T195505773Z117051_400_225.webp)
First time in 21 years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo snubbed from Ballon d'Or shortlist
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240904T155722168Z586223/20240904T155722168Z586223_400_225.webp)
UEFA Nations League 2024: Full Match Schedule and all you need to know, Where you can watch it in India?
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240904T145529824Z170088/20240904T145529824Z170088_400_225.webp)
UEFA Nations League - Denmark vs Switzerland: Preview, Prediction, and Betting Tips
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240904T051154046Z746808/20240904T051154046Z746808_400_225.webp)
'Boring for spectators. Good thing is this is the worst we can play': Coach Marquez after India's disappointing draw against 179th ranked Mauritius
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240903T043802555Z098213/20240903T043802555Z098213_400_225.webp)
Uruguay legend Luis Suarez announces retirement ahead of FIFA WC qualifiers clash in emotional press conference