As Sunil Chhetri Retires, Here’s Looking At How Wife Sonam Had His Back

Sunil Chhetri, the beloved captain of the Indian football team, waved farewell to international football on June 6, 2024, at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium in an emotionally charged and historic event. Chhetri's final outing on the international stage concluded with a moving guard of honour from his teammates, which brought the legendary striker to tears.

The match, a FIFA World Cup qualifier versus Kuwait, concluded in a 0-0 tie. While the loss dashed India's hopes of advancing in the qualifiers, the significance of the night went beyond the performance on the pitch. As the final whistle rang, fans momentarily forgot about their disappointment to honour Chhetri's remarkable career, chanting his name and showering him with love as he took a lap of honour. His teammates, recognizing the magnitude of the moment, consoled him as he walked down the tunnel, receiving thunderous applause from the fans.

At 39 years old, Chhetri's career stands tall, with 94 goals in 151 appearances for the country, making him the fourth-highest goal scorer in international football—just behind luminaries like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei, and Lionel Messi.

Sunil Chhetri Announces Retirement

In a heartfelt video lasting 9 minutes and 51 seconds, Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement from international football. His illustrious career, which began under coach Sukhwinder Singh, will conclude in Kolkata on June 6, with Igor Stimac currently at the helm. "For all our sakes, let’s do a good game... And it’s a wrap," Chhetri shared in a social media post on the morning of May 15, officially announcing his decision to retire.

Chhetri's final match for India was against Kuwait in Kolkata, marking the end of a remarkable journey that started in Pakistan in 2005. For nearly 19 years, Chhetri remained a constant presence in Indian football, despite numerous changes in governments, prime ministers, and even cricket captains like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. During this period, the rules of football evolved, with the number of substitutes increasing from three to five and the introduction of VAR technology.

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A post shared by Sunil Chhetri (@chetri_sunil11)

Throughout his career, Chhetri played through a pandemic and witnessed the birth and growth of the Indian Super League. Under various coaches, including Bob Houghton, Stephen Constantine, and Igor Stimac, Chhetri was always the first name on the team sheet for India. His dedication and skill have made him an indispensable figure in Indian football.

Here’s Looking At How Sonam Bhattacharya Supported Him

As Chhetri prepares to hang up his boots, his absence will be deeply felt by fans, teammates, and coaches alike. India's legendary footballer has often spoken not just of his love for the game but also of the love of his life, his wife, Sonam Bhattacharya. Their romantic journey began when Chhetri was 18 and Sonam was 15. They met through her father, who was Chhetri’s coach. Their bond grew stronger over the years, culminating in marriage after nearly 13 years of dating.

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A post shared by Sunil Chhetri (@chetri_sunil11)

Sonam has been Chhetri's unwavering support system. On her birthday, Chhetri expressed his deep appreciation for her with a heartfelt message: "Your love, support, time, and round-the-clock care let me do what I love the most, without any worry. I don't express gratitude as often as I should, but I appreciate all the roles you play with so much ease. You've been a wife, a friend, a critic, and beyond. It's your birthday today, and I want nothing more than a peaceful and healthy future for you. I promise to be a better husband, with more date nights and movie marathons. Let's see the world and make memories. Happy birthday, partner. I love you."

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A post shared by Sunil Chhetri (@chetri_sunil11)

For Chhetri, Sonam has been the backbone of his personal and professional life. While Sonam considers herself his biggest fan, Chhetri is in awe of her constant support and dedication. Their love story is a testament to how mutual respect and unwavering support can help one achieve great heights.