Indian Legend Sunil Chhetri To Come Out Of Retirement In Order To Help Team
The 40-year-old will once again pull on the famous Indian blue jersey during the international window in March.
Legendary Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri, who called time on his illustrious international career last year, made a u-turn on his retirement and will be part of the Indian national football team that will play the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.
The 40-year-old will once again pull on the famous Indian blue jersey during the international window in March.
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Team India will play a friendly against Maldives on the 19th of March in preparation for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round opener against Bangladesh on March 25, scheduled to be played in Shillong.
Indian head coach Manolo Marquez revealed that he held a discussion with the iconic striker over the importance of the qualifiers and that the forward agreed to make a return to the international fold by making himself available for selection.
“The qualification for the Asian Cup is very crucial for us," Marquez said.
“Given the importance of the tournament and the matches ahead, I discussed with Sunil Chhetri about making a comeback to strengthen the National Team," the head coach continued.
“He agreed, and so we have included him in the squad," Marquez beamed.
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Chhetri called time on his stint with the Blue Tigers on the 6th of June, 2024, after having made 151 appearances for the national side in a career that spanned nearly two decades.
Chhetri also ranks fourth in terms of international goals for his country with 94 strikes to his name, only behind Portuguese talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentine World Cup winner Lionel Messi, and Iranian icon Ali Daei.
India’s 26-member squad for the March 2025 FIFA International Window:
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Asish Rai, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Brandon Fernandes, Brison Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Suresh Singh Wangjam.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh.
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