New Delhi: Sunil Chhetri has confirmed that his time with the Indian national football team has come to a close and indicated that his club career may also end next year. The 42-year-old striker, long regarded as one of India’s greatest footballers, said his international comeback earlier this year was only to help the team during the final phase of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
Chhetri had officially retired from international football in June last year but returned after former head coach Manolo Marquez urged him to rejoin the squad. With India failing to qualify for the continental tournament, he said there is now “no question” of continuing at the international level. His future in club football will depend heavily on Bengaluru FC’s performance in the upcoming Indian Super League season.
Chhetri said that if Bengaluru FC win the ISL and secure a continental berth, he may consider continuing for another season. If not, he is prepared to call time on his professional career. He added that his personal goal is to score 15 goals this season before stepping away from the game.
Chhetri explained that he had already informed new national team head coach Khalid Jamil of his decision. He said his return was solely to support the squad during the qualifiers and that he would not have come back if those matches had not been scheduled. Once qualification became impossible, he told Jamil he was ready to step aside.
His return did not match expectations, with just one goal in six appearances, although his strong ISL form last season was what convinced Marquez to recall him. Chhetri had scored 14 goals in the league, finishing second only to Golden Boot winner Alaaeddine Ajaraie.
Reflecting on his final stint with the national team, Chhetri said he has no regrets about returning, only disappointment that India could not advance. He retires from international football with a remarkable tally of 95 goals and a legacy that transformed the sport’s profile in the country.
