Thu Mar 06 16:33:00 UTC 2025: ## Indian Football Legend Sunil Chhetri Ends Retirement, Returns to National Team

**Shillong, India – March 6, 2025** – Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri has ended his short-lived retirement and will rejoin the national team for this month’s FIFA international window, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced today. The 40-year-old, considered one of India’s greatest footballers, will feature in upcoming friendlies against the Maldives (March 19th) and in crucial Asian Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh (March 25th).

Chhetri, India’s all-time top scorer with 94 international goals, retired in June 2024 after a distinguished career. His return was confirmed via the AIFF’s official X account, which hailed him as “the captain, leader, legend.” The decision follows discussions between Chhetri and coach Manolo Marquez, who highlighted the importance of strengthening the team for the upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers. Marquez stated that Chhetri’s inclusion is crucial for the team’s success in the qualifying matches.

Despite his retirement, Chhetri continued to play professionally for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League, maintaining his impressive form with 12 goals in 23 matches this season. His comeback is a significant boost for India, who are aiming to improve on their disappointing performance in the previous Asian Cup, where they lost all their group stage matches. The matches will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

The 26-man squad includes a mix of experienced and young players, with Chhetri leading the forward line. India is placed in a qualifying group alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. The team is hoping for a much improved result in the upcoming tournament.

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