Croatia captain and Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric extended his admiration for India skipper Sunil Chhetri, who is set to retire from international football after India’s match against Kuwait on Thursday, describing him as a ‘legend of the game’.
Modric urged Chhetri's teammates to ensure his farewell game is ‘unforgettable’.
Chhetri will bid farewell to his illustrious international career during the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait at the Salt Lake Stadium.
In a video message shared by Indian team coach Igor Stimac, Modric conveyed his best wishes to Chhetri. “Hi Sunil, I just want to say hello and wish you all the best in your last game for the national team,” said Modric.
“Congratulations on your career, you are a legend of this game, and to your teammates, I hope you make his last game special and unforgettable,” he added.
“Good luck and win for your captain. All the best and best regards from Croatia,” said Modric, who was the recipient of the Ballon d’Or award in 2018.
Stimac expressed gratitude to Modric for the warm gesture, stating, “Thank you Luka. We will do everything in our power to make our country and our captain proud.”
Chhetri, with 94 goals to his name, stands as the fourth highest goal-scorer in international football history. The 39-year-old’s retirement places him behind Cristiano Ronaldo (128), Ali Daei (108), and Lionel Messi (106) in the all-time list.