### Sunil Chhetri's Remarkable Return: A 40-Year-Old Legend Rejoins Indian Football Sunil Chhetri, India's all-time leading goalscorer, has made headlines by coming out of international retirement at the age of 40. Initially retiring in June 2024 after a goalless draw against Kuwait, Chhetri's return is seen as a response to India's pressing need for experienced players as they prepare for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. His decision has sparked discussions about the current state of Indian football and the challenges facing the national team. ### Breakdown of Chhetri's Comeback and Its Implications 1. **Retirement and Return**: - Chhetri announced his retirement in June 2024, concluding his international career with 94 goals in 151 appearances [https://www.india.com/sports/india-star-football-player-sunil-chhetri-comes-out-of-retirement-to-rejoin-national-team-7661264]. - His return was confirmed on March 6, 2025, as he was named in the squad for upcoming matches against the Maldives and Bangladesh [https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/football/sunil-chhetri-comes-out-of-retirement-will-be-back-in-the-indian-football-team-101741275282630.html]. 2. **Motivation Behind the Comeback**: - Head coach Manolo Marquez emphasized the need for Chhetri's experience and leadership as the team faces a striker shortage [https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/football/sunil-chhetris-retirement-u-turn-explained-by-india-head-coach-manolo-marquez-101741309883938.html]. - Chhetri has the opportunity to become only the fourth player in men's international football history to score 100 goals for his country [https://www.news24online.com/sports/sunil-chhetri-comes-out-of-retirement-head-coach-manolo-marquez-reveals-real-reason-behind-this-decision/495542]. 3. **Reactions and Expectations**: - The announcement has generated excitement among fans and players alike, with Bangladesh's head coach expressing eagerness to face Chhetri again [https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/booters-excited-over-prospect-facing-sunil-chhetri-again-3841846]. - Chhetri's return is viewed as a crucial move for the Indian team, which has struggled to find consistent goal-scoring options [https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/bare-cupboard-what-chhetris-comeback-tells-about-indian-football/article69302312.ece]. ### Supporting Evidence of Chhetri's Impact - **Career Statistics**: - Goals: 94 - Appearances: 151 - Last Match Before Retirement: June 2024 against Kuwait [https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sports/sunil-chhetri-comes-out-of-retirement-to-play-in-march-fifa-window-118765610]. - **Upcoming Matches**: - Friendly against Maldives on March 19, 2025. - AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25, 2025 [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/sunil-chhetri-to-come-out-of-retirement-to-represent-india-in-march-fixtures/articleshow/118765856.cms]. ### Conclusion: Chhetri's Comeback as a Reflection of Indian Football's Challenges **Sunil Chhetri's return to the Indian national team at 40 underscores both his enduring talent and the current challenges within Indian football.** 1. **Need for Experience**: His comeback highlights the lack of viable options in the striker position, prompting reliance on veteran players [https://www.newsday.com/sports/soccer/chhetri-india-soccer-asian-cup-b85490]. 2. **Potential Milestone**: Chhetri's pursuit of 100 international goals adds a personal milestone to the national team's objectives [https://www.moneycontrol.com/sports/at-40-what-made-sunil-chhetri-come-back-from-international-retirement-article-12958737.html]. 3. **Fan and Team Support**: The excitement surrounding his return reflects the hope and support from fans and teammates as India prepares for critical matches [https://www.firstpost.com/sports/football-news/sunil-chhetri-indian-football-team-international-return-march-international-window-13869350.html]. Chhetri's journey continues to inspire, and his leadership will be pivotal as India aims for success in the upcoming qualifiers.