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Sunil Chhetri, the unassuming talisman of Indian football, has announced his retirement from international duty after the World Cup qualifier against Kuwait next month. 

 

Chhetri's glittering career, spanning two decades, will come to a fitting end at the Mecca of Indian football, Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium.

 

Chhetri's journey began not with a burning passion for the sport, but as a means to an end - a coveted spot in a reputed college. Football, however, ran deep in his veins. 

 

His father, Kharga Chhetri, a former Indian Army footballer, nurtured a dream of seeing his son achieve what he couldn't.

 

Sunil's early forays into the sport began with Delhi's City Club (2001-02), followed by a momentous signing by Mohun Bagan, one of India's footballing giants, in 2002. 

 

 His exploits there (eight goals in 18 appearances) paved the way for his inclusion in the Indian U-20 side and subsequently, the senior national team.

 

His international debut in 2005, at the tender age of 20, was a cause for both pride and anxiety for his father. 

 

While Sunil revelled in his achievements, Kharga Chhetri's concerns lay in the security arrangements for the Indian team in strife-torn Balochistan, Pakistan, where the match was held.

 

Despite his initial reservations, Kharga's belief in his son never wavered. Sunil's natural talent shone through, as he excelled at every school he attended. Born in Secunderabad with footballing pedigree (his mother, Sushila, played for the Nepal national team), Sunil seemed destined for greatness.

 

Even after establishing himself in the national team, the prankster in Sunil remained.  However, things took a turn in 2011 when he was handed the captain's armband by coach Bob Houghton following Bhaichung Bhutia's retirement.  

 

The weight of leadership transformed Sunil. His role transcended mere goalscoring; he shouldered the burden of the team's performance.

 

Throughout his captaincy, Sunil thrived under immense pressure, often deprived of adequate support from his teammates in major tournaments. 

 

While he enjoyed the guidance of Bhaichung Bhutia in his early years, the void left by the 'Sikkimese Sniper's' departure was significant. The following years saw the emergence of talented players, but none quite matched the brilliance of Chhetri or Bhutia.

 

Sunil's fortunes became synonymous with the national team's. He acknowledged the pressure that came with the armband, "It's not only you, it's the team now," he had said in an interview.

 

Despite the challenges, Sunil persevered. He navigated the stormy waters of Indian football administration, riddled with apathy, corruption, and sexual harassment allegations.  

 

To extend his international career in the absence of an able successor, Sunil had turned vegan on the advice of his good friend, Virat Kohli, whose sport enjoys unprecedented popularity in this part of the world.

 

Through it all, he remained steadfast on the field, donning the blue jersey and the captain's armband with unwavering dedication.

 

In a cricket-obsessed nation, Sunil, with his goal-scoring prowess, managed to shift the spotlight towards football, albeit temporarily.  

 

Sunil Chhetri's retirement marks the end of an era. He leaves behind a legacy of exceptional talent, leadership, and unwavering commitment.  

 

His journey, from a playful backbencher to a revered captain, is an inspiration for aspiring footballers across the country.