In an emotional send-off, Croatia captain and Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric hailed India’s football icon Sunil Chhetri, who is poised to retire from international football after a distinguished career.
Luka Modric’s Heartfelt Message for Sunil Chhetri
Chhetri’s final appearance will be in a high-stakes FIFA World Cup Qualifying match against Kuwait at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Thursday.
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 Štimac (@stimac_igor) June 5, 2024
Modric, who recently secured his sixth UEFA Champions League title with Real Madrid, delivered a heartfelt message through a video shared by India’s head coach Igor Stimac.
“Hi Sunil, I just want to say hello and wish you all the best in your last game for the national team. Congratulations on your career; you are a legend of this game,” said Modric.
“To your teammates, I hope you make his last game special and unforgettable. Good luck and win for your captain. All the best and best regards from Croatia.”
The accolades from Modric underscore Chhetri’s exceptional impact on football, not just in India but globally.
The 39-year-old Indian captain, who will retire as the fourth-highest goal-scorer in international football history with 94 goals, stands in the esteemed company of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei, and Lionel Messi.
Indian team coach Igor Stimac, a Croatian himself, added his sentiments, reflecting the collective hope of the team and fans alike.
“Thank you, Luka.
We will do everything in our power to make our country and our captain proud,” Stimac responded, emphasizing the team’s determination to honor their captain’s legacy with a win.
Chhetri, who has been a beacon of Indian football for over two decades, remains focused on the task at hand despite the emotional weight of his farewell match.
“I am trying really hard not to think about this game as my last. It’s not about me; it’s about us and Kuwait,” Chhetri said at the pre-match press conference, highlighting his commitment to the team’s success over personal milestones.
As Chhetri prepares to don the national jersey one last time, the football world watches with bated breath, united in respect and admiration for a player who has truly become a legend of the game.
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