'Goal Machine Is Back': Netizens React To Legendary Sunil Chhetri's Return To International Football From Retirement

Soon after the news of legendary footballer Sunil Chhetri reversing his international retirement was announced, football fans took to social media to hail the 40-year-old. The striker will return to the Indian National Team for the upcoming FIFA International Window, which will take place later in this month. The Blue Tigers' upcoming assignment will be a friendly, where they will take on Maldives. Following that, Team India will take part in the AFC Asian Cup Qualification, where they will face Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

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Last year, India's top goal scorer took to his official social media handle to announce his retirement. His last game for the Blue Tigers was on June 6, 2024, against Kuwait in the second round of World Cup qualifiers. His announcement sparked an outpour of sentiments from sports personalities.

The year 2024 was not a great year for Indian football, starting from Chhetri's retirement to the Blue Tigers failing to secure a single win in a year. The year was a disaster for them. To make a comeback in 2025, Chhetri's return hopefully will help Team India perform well in their upcoming matches.

"Sunil Chhetri is back. The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March," AIFF wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) while announcing the 40-year-old's return to international football.

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Netizens On Sunil Chhetri's Return To Int. Football

However, the netizens showed love and support towards Chhetri for making a return to international football. A social media user said that the "goal machine" is back to don the blue jersey.

"The Goal Machine is Back! The world’s third-highest active international goalscorer is ready to don the blue jersey again! Sunil Chhetri will represent India in the next international window," a fan wrote.

Another fan said that the Blue Tigers have finally Sunil Chhetri's replacement in the side.

"finally we have found a replacement of sunil chhetri and its non other than Chhetri himself," a X user wrote.

One of the fans showed concern for finding a "worthy" successor of Chhetri in a country of 1.4 billion.

"We brag about Sunil Chhetri Sir, but sadly, only about him. A country of 1.4 billion, yet no worthy successor. I cried when he retired, thinking it was the end of an era. Now he’s forced to return because our football system has failed. This isn’t his failure, it’s ours," wrote another.

However, a football enthusiast lauded the 40-year-old for proving that age is just a number.

"Legendary comeback, Sunil Chhetri proving age is just a number for Indian football," the user wrote.

Meanwhile, another fan showed his excitement, saying that they can't wait to see the Indian footballer back on field.

"Sunil Chhetri's return is great news for Indian football! Can't wait to see the legend back in action," the user wrote.

A Look At Sunil Chhetri's Records

The torch bearer of Indian football played 150 matches for India, scoring 94 goals. He is also the country's highest goal scorer. The centre forward has won the AIFF Player of the Year title seven times. He was also honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2011 and the Khel Ratna Award in 2021.