Luka Modric Sends Farewell Message to Sunil Chhetri Ahead of Final International Game

Real Madrid star midfielder and Croatia captain Luka Modric sent a heartfelt farewell message to India captain Sunil Chhetri ahead of his final international game before retirement. As India prepared for their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6, coach Igor Stimac shared Modric’s touching message, in which the Los Blancos number 10 congratulated Chhetri on his illustrious 19-year international career.

Having announced his retirement on May 16, Indian football fans and former players eagerly anticipated Chhetri’s final appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Throughout his prestigious career, Chhetri has set numerous records and consistently delivered crucial goals for India, embodying the spirit and leadership of the national team.

Chhetri debuted his national team on June 12, 2005, in a friendly against Pakistan. Since then, he has etched his name alongside football legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. With 94 international goals, Chhetri is the third-highest goalscorer in men’s international football, trailing only Ronaldo and Messi.

On Thursday, the 39-year-old ‘Captain Fantastic’ aims to conclude his India journey on a high note, which would also boost the team’s chances of advancing to the next round. Modric’s video message conveyed deep respect and admiration: “Hi Sunil! I just wanna say hello and wish you all the best for your last game with the national team. Congratulations on your career. You are a legend of this game. To your teammates, I hope you make his last game special and unforgettable. Good luck and win for your captain. Best wishes and love from Croatia.”

Modric is currently in Germany, preparing for Croatia’s UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, after recently securing his sixth UEFA Champions League title with Real Madrid on June 2.