Sunil Chhetri makes surprise return to football at 40
Legendary Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri has come out of retirement from international football after a discussion with head coach Manolo Marquez, who emphasized the importance of having the star player back in action as India prepares for the upcoming Asian Cup qualification.
Chhetri has been included in the 26-member Indian senior men’s squad for the March FIFA International Window. The squad was announced by head coach Manolo Marquez on Thursday.
Chhetri, the fourth-highest international goal scorer of all time with 94 goals to his name, had announced his retirement from the national team in June last year. However, he is now set to return to action in India’s blue kit later this month.
The Blue Tigers will play a friendly match against the Maldives on March 19 in preparation for their opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round against Bangladesh on March 25. Both matches will take place in Shillong, according to a press release from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
“The qualification for the Asian Cup is very crucial for us. Given the importance of the tournament and the upcoming matches, I spoke with Sunil Chhetri about making a comeback to strengthen the national team. He agreed, and as a result, we have included him in the squad,” said Marquez.
India’s 26-member squad for the March 2025 FIFA International Window:
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Ashish Rai, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Brandon Fernandes, Brison Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Suresh Singh Wangjam.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh.
