Virat Kohli mentions Sunil Chhetri informed him before retirement announcement, says "He's at peace with the decision"
Virat Kohli has shared that Sunil Chhetri messaged him before announcing his retirement from international football. Chhetri, who has scored 94 goals in the iconic blue jersey, announced the decision to hang up his boots on Thursday, May 16, via social media.
The friendship between Kohli and Chhetri is certainly well-documented. Both athletes have achieved numerous milestones in their respective sports and broken various records over the years while consistently supporting each other.
After Chhetri posted his retirement announcement on social media, Kohli was one of the first prominent figures to respond, commenting, “My Brother. Proud.”
Speaking on the RCB Insider Show, Virat Kohli, who is currently in stellar form in the Indian Premier League (IPL), shared that Sunil Chhetri had informed him about his decision to retire and expressed that he is at peace with it.
"He’s actually a really dear friend. He messaged me as well, informing me that he’s going to do it. But I’d say that he felt like he’s at peace with the decision. I’ve become really close with over the years and wish him nothing but the best. He’s a lovely guy," Kohli said.
The pair have met several times over the years, especially during the Indian Premier League season, and have developed a great bond founded on mutual respect.
They met last year as well when Chhetri mentioned that he shares many meaningful conversations with Kohli whenever they get together.
Speaking on the ‘In the Stands’ show, the ace footballer said:
"We talk about a lot of normal things. We share a lot of laughter. We share a lot of jokes and a lot of funny stuff. I have had a lot of deep and meaningful chats. It’s not like we talk 24×7 every day. There are phases when we do not talk for months but the best part is that he understands and so do I."
Chhetri is a well-known name not just in Indian football but across Indian sports. Many leading athletes from India, including Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, Shreyas Iyer, and several others, wished the Indian skipper well after his announcement.
I think it’s time for our country to see the next number nine - Sunil Chhetri
In a heartfelt nine-minute video, Chhetri expressed his feelings about representing the country over the years. 150 appearances, 94 goals, and countless accolades and memories later, he has called it time after a marvelous career.
Chhetri is the fourth all-time leading goalscorer in the world and the third-highest active goalscorer in international football, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Addressing the supporters in the video, the 39-year-old acknowledged that it is time for India to find a new number nine. He also shared that he will miss the feeling of wearing the blue jersey.
"You know, the feeling that I recollect in the last 19 years is a very nice combination between duty, pressure, and immense joy. I never thought individually, these are the many games that I’ve played for the country. This is what I’ve done, good or bad. But now I did it. Will I be sad after this? Of course. Do I feel sad sometimes, every day because of this? Yes. I think it’s time for our country to see the next number nine. It is time that we build on it already," Chhetri said.
His 151st and final appearance will be against Kuwait on June 6, with India’s hopes of qualifying for the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at stake.
Fittingly, he is set to play in Kolkata, where he began his footballing journey. A massive turnout is expected to support the Blues and bid farewell to India’s greatest goalscorer.