 "Sunil Chhetri had made his final appearance for the Indian team in their goalless draw against Kuwait in Kolkata during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. PTI")
Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri is set to reunite with the Blue Tigers less than a year after bidding them an emotional goodbye as he will be coming out of retirement during the FIFA International Window in March. Talismanic forward and former captain Chhetri had bid the Indian team a tearful goodbye at Kolkata’s iconic Salt Lake Stadium in June last year, making his final appearance in the team’s goalless draw against Kuwait .
Chhetri, who continues to represent Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), had retired as the fourth-highest international goal-scorer in the history of the sport with 94 goals in 151 matches, since his debut against Pakistan in 2005.
By coming out of retirement, Chhetri will get the opportunity to join the elite list of players with 100 or more international goals, joining all-time greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Chhetri’s return leaves Indian football fans divided
While many expressed joy over the 40-year-old wearing the iconic blue jersey once again, there were those who lamented the Indian football system’s inability to zero in on Chhetri’s successor in international football.
Here are some of the reactions to Chhetri’s return:
India, currently coached by Manolo Marquez after parting ways with Igor Stimac shortly after Chhetri’s retirement, face Maldives as well as neighbours Bangladesh in the international window later this month.