WATCH: Sunil Chhetri fails to hold back his tears during guard of honour after farewell game against Kuwait

Indian captain Sunil Chhetri could not get his fairytale ending. Chhetri’s 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 “No”.

"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."
 

 

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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.
 

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