Sunil Chhetri comes out of retirement, set to play in Shillong against Bangladesh

Shillong, March 6: Indian football legend and long-time captain Sunil Chhetri has decided to come out of retirement and will be available for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round campaign against Bangladesh at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on March 25.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) made the announcement on Twitter, writing, “SUNIL CHHETRI IS BACK.” AIFF also confirmed that the iconic striker will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International window in March.

𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐇𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐈 𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊. 🇮🇳

The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March.#IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/vzSQo0Ctez

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 6, 2025

Chhetri had previously announced his retirement from international football on May 16 last year, after India’s match against Kuwait.

However, his decision to return has sparked excitement among fans, especially in Shillong, which will be hosting two international matches this month—a friendly against Maldives on March 19 and the crucial Bangladesh clash on March 25.

Manolo Márquez names the India squad for March FIFA Window 🇮🇳

🗣️ Márquez: “The qualification for the Asian Cup is very crucial for us. Given the importance of the tournament and the matches ahead, I discussed with Sunil Chhetri about making a comeback to strengthen the National… pic.twitter.com/TlwShiL7hb

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 6, 2025

Although Chhetri may not feature in the friendly against Maldives, Shillong will undoubtedly witness his magic on the field when India takes on Bangladesh for the AFC Champions qualifier.

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