'He messaged me, informing that he was going to retire' - Virat Kohli on Sunil Chhetri's retirement

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri is set to bid farewell to his illustrious international career after the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Ahead of his final game for the national team, star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli paid a heartfelt tribute to the iconic striker.

Kohli recently revealed that Chhetri personally messaged him about his plans to retire from international football after the Kuwait match. The two sporting icons have developed a close bond over the years. Interestingly, in the 2023 edition, Chhetri visited Kohli and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team before their match against Mumbai Indians at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. 

“He actually messaged me as well, informing me that he was going to do it. But I would say that he felt like he was at peace with the decision. I have become really close with him over the years and wish him nothing but the best. He is a lovely, lovely guy,” Kohli said on the RCB Insider Show.

Also read: Cricket fraternity congratulates Sunil Chhetri after he announces international retirement

I did decide that this was going to be my last game: Sunil Chhetri

Chhetri's retirement will mark the end of an era for Indian football. The 39-year-old is currently the third-highest active international goal scorer, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. His departure will leave a massive void in the national team.

Chhetri, in a video posted on his social media handle, opened up about the emotional toll his retirement decision had on his family, particularly his wife.

“When I did decide that this was going to be my last game, I told my family about it. Dad was normal. He was relieved, happy, everything. It was my wife, strangely. I told her. ‘You always used to bug me that there are too many games, there’s too much pressure. Now I am telling you that I’m not going to play for my country anymore after this game.’ Even they couldn’t tell me why there were tears," he said.

Also read: Virat Kohli reveals plans after retirement

On the other hand, Kohli is currently the highest run-scorer of the IPL 2024 season with 661 runs in 13 matches. Kohli will be seen playing next against Chennai Super Kings for the last league game on Saturday, May 18.