Sunil Chhetri and several others pay tribute to Jeje Lalpekhlua as he announces his retirement

After plying his trade for several top-tier Indian clubs, Jeje Lalpekhlua has decided to call it quits. The 32-year-old was a prolific striker in his prime years and was known for his ability to be clinical in front of goal.

During his decade-long career, he played for ATK Mohun Bagan, Chennaiyin FC, and East Bengal, as well as being an important figure in the Indian national team. He made his Blue Tigers debut in 2011 and scored 23 goals in 56 games, with his last appearance dating back to 2019.

Jeje was best known for his spell at Chennaiyin FC, where he won two Indian Super League titles and the emerging player of the year award in 2015. The "Mizo Sniper" also holds the record for most goals scored for Marina Machans.

2️⃣-time #HeroISL winner! 🏆🏆
2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣5️⃣ Emerging Player of the Year! 🎖

Wishing @jejefanai all the very best for the future! ⭐️

#LetsFootball #Jeje #ChennaiyinFC twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/DMx6H0qDHk

The former CFC man also played for both the Kolkata giants. He was part of the Mohun Bagan squad that won the I-League and Federation Cup in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

Meanwhile, he donned the red and gold jersey during the 2020–21 ISL season but only scored once.

While Jeje Lalpekhlua experienced the highest of highs, he also struggled with several injuries, which ultimately forced him to retire early.

Nevertheless, Jeje certainly holds a place in the hearts of Indian football fans and players alike, with several of them sharing their thoughts on social media.

Sunil Chhetri pays tribute to Jeje Lalpekhlua with a heartfelt message

Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri and Jeje shared a telepathic understanding on the pitch and combined to score several important goals for the national team.

The two players have a strong bond both on and off the field, and the Bengaluru FC star expressed his respect with a heartfelt message on Twitter.

Congratulations, superstar @jejefanai on what’s been such a fantastic career. The way you’ve dominated Indian football and stamped your authority on that No.9 position has been a joy to watch. And yet, these aren’t your best attributes. https://t.co/S7ihvgAPB5

My best wishes @jejefanai

You have been a great ambassador to Indian football.

Your performances and those key goals for #BlueTigers have provided innumerable memories for all of us.

You r forced retired due to knee injury but I am sure you will continue to serve the game well

His former employers and Indian football fans also reacted to the news and wished him well in his future endeavors.

3️⃣2️⃣ goal contributions in Chennaiyin blue 🔵
2️⃣3️⃣ goals for 🇮🇳
3️⃣ x SAFF Championship 🥇
2️⃣ x #HeroISL 🏆
1️⃣ x Intercontinental Cup & I-League 🏅

We say goodbye to our leading goalscorer ⚽ and legend 💪 Jeje today! Wish you the best in your future 💙

#AllInForChennaiyin https://t.co/GPVb6ljIB7

One of India's finest players hangs up his boots. You'll be missed, Jeje Lalpekhlua ❤
#IndianFootball twitter.com/90ndstoppage/s…

Jeje Lalpekhlua & Chhetri ❤️ The deadly duo of Indian Football 🇮🇳⚽️

Happy retirement @jejefanai

#IndianFootball #isl

@jejefanai Thanks for everything❤️happy retirement legend ❤️#Jejelalpekhlua

What a career it has been, Mizo Sniper. Wish you a happy retirement and all success ahead. Always a legend with a special place in our hearts.

One Jeje Lalpekhlua 💙 #Forever12 https://t.co/rKYkwT5Zs2

Jeje Lalpekhlua brings down curtain on an impressive career that fetched plenty of goals for clubs and country. The Mizo Sniper last played for India at the Asian Cup in 2019 and never really got back to his old self after a knee surgery. Best wishes for the future, Jeje.

@90ndstoppage @jejefanai Happy retirement Jeje Lalpekhlua. Wish you all the best for your future ahead.

We remember the only goal you scored for #EastBengalFC in a 6—5 loss against #OdishaFC in 2020/21 season. https://t.co/oXWh5Lxz0g

Indian international Jeje Lalpekhlua "Mizo Sniper" has hangs up his boots today. 👏🏼🇮🇳

We wish him a good luck for his future ahead. 💙

#ThankyouJeje #IndianFootball https://t.co/5PXbKN5ZjD

One of the most prolific Strikers in the history of Indian Football and Chennaiyin FC, Jeje Lalpekhlua was a goalscorer extraordinaire. Having had a decorated career till far, he has bid farewell to the game where he enthralled all of us.

Happy retirement @jejefanai 💙 Godspeed twitter.com/Hussainovich1/… https://t.co/O9ZBgIhIfp

Jeje Retires From Football 💔

Sc11 And Jeje Are The Best Players Of Last Decade In Indian Football

sportstorza.blogspot.com/2023/02/jeje-l…
#JejelalPekhlua
@jejefanai

Jeje Lalpekhlua unquestionably had a unique footballing skillset, and his emergence coincided with the rise of a new era for the Blue Tigers.

With multiple accolades to his name, the Mizo Sniper will go down as one of the best players to represent India.