Indian football veteran Sunil Chhetri has announced his return to the national team at the age of 40, marking a dramatic reversal of his retirement decision from last year.
The former captain, who ranks as the fourth-highest men’s international goalscorer, played what was expected to be his final match in June 2024 during a World Cup qualifier.
He had previously stated that his instincts told him the game against Kuwait should be his last, bidding farewell in front of nearly 59,000 fans in Kolkata.
However, on Thursday, India head coach Manolo Marquez confirmed Chhetri’s return for the March international window.
With India out of contention for the 2026 World Cup, the focus has shifted to the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Marquez explained that he had discussed the significance of the upcoming tournament with Chhetri, who agreed to make a comeback to strengthen the squad.
India will play a friendly against the Maldives on March 19, followed by an Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25.
Despite football’s struggle for popularity in cricket-dominated India, Chhetri remains a revered sporting figure, having represented India since 2005 and played brief stints in Portugal and the United States.