UEFA Champions League winner pays tribute to Sunil Chhetri
The international football world witnessed a heartwarming moment as Luka Modric, the UEFA Champions League winner of 2024 and Real Madrid legend, paid tribute to India’s iconic captain Sunil Chhetri on the eve of his final international appearance. Chhetri, a 39-year-old veteran, is set to bid farewell to his remarkable career with a World Cup qualifier against Kuwait in Kolkata.
Luka Modric, fresh off his 6th Champions League title with Real Madrid, took time to honor Chhetri’s dedication to the sport. In a video message shared by India’s head coach, Igor Stimac (himself a Croatian national), Modric hailed Chhetri as a “legend of the game.” He expressed his best wishes for Chhetri’s final match and urged the Indian team to make it an unforgettable experience for their captain.
Also Read: Sunil Chhetri: Football legend bids farewell, but the passion remains
Stimac, visibly touched by the gesture, responded with gratitude, promising to do everything in their power to bring pride to India and their captain. This exchange transcended national boundaries, highlighting the unifying power of football and the respect players have for one another across leagues and continents.
Chhetri’s final match carries immense weight for Indian football. A victory would virtually guarantee their qualification for the third round of the World Cup qualifiers, a feat they have never achieved before. This potential breakthrough has ignited a sense of excitement and hope within the Indian footballing community.
Thank you Luka 💙
We will do everything in our power to make our country and our captain proud 🇮🇳 @lukamodric10 @chetrisunil11 @IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/eHPyPfnToi
— Igor Å timac (@stimac_igor) June 5, 2024
Stimac, addressing the significance of the match, emphasized its potential to transform the future of Indian football. He further acknowledged his personal connection to India, stating that despite being a foreigner, he feels a deep sense of belonging.
While the prospect of Chhetri’s retirement saddens him as a coach, Stimac left the door open for a possible return. He acknowledged Chhetri’s continued good form with his club Bengaluru FC, hinting at the possibility of a future call-up if needed.
Despite the immense focus surrounding his farewell match, Chhetri remained grounded. He stressed the importance of keeping the team’s focus on the collective effort and avoiding distractions. He reiterated that the match is not just about his personal milestone, but about India securing a crucial victory against Kuwait.
This selfless attitude perfectly encapsulates Chhetri’s leadership and dedication throughout his career. He has not only been a prolific goal scorer for India (holding the national record with 84 goals), but also a role model for aspiring players across the country.
Modric’s tribute serves as a testament to Chhetri’s impact on the global footballing landscape. It’s a poignant reminder that greatness transcends borders, and the respect between players transcends rivalries. While Chhetri’s international career may be drawing to a close, his legacy as a legend of Indian football will undoubtedly inspire generations to come. The upcoming match against Kuwait promises to be an emotional send-off, but one filled with hope for the future of Indian football, a future that Chhetri has played a pivotal role in shaping.
