Stalwart Chhetri reveals post-retirement plans

'Virat Kohli is very close to me, understands me'

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri on Friday said his decision to retire after next month's World Cup qualifier against Kuwait was driven by instinct and he would like to take a "sabbatical" after completing his obligations in the domestic circuit.

Chhetri, 39, announced his decision to retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on June 6, bringing the curtains down on a 19-year career during which he became India's top goal-scorer with 94 strikes.

He will leave the scene as India's most-capped player.

"The retirement decision was not because of physical aspect, I am still fit, running, chasing, defending, the hard work is not difficult, the reason is to do with mental aspect," said Chhetri in an online media interaction from Bhubaneswar where he is currently part of a national camp for the World Cup qualifiers.

"I was fighting with myself, trying to think holistically, it came instinctively. When the instinct came it was so narrow, I was taking time, it wasn't easy, but I am at peace with my decision, got more than what I had dreamt of," he said.

"One year I will be in Bengaluru FC, I don't know how long I will be playing (domestic football), after that I want to take a sabbatical," he added.

Chhetri mapped out his post-retirement plans and said after leaving the national side on June 6 he will spend a lot of time with his family.

"On June 6 is when I retire. On June 7 I will spend a lot of time crying while on the 8th I will relax, after June 8 I will take a break and I will stay with my family,"

Asked if he would consider coaching after the end of playing career, Chhetri said, "I will not say never, I will think during my sabbatical but it's not very high on my agenda as of now."

Chhetri's contract with the Indian Super League side is till next year.

The iconic player, who has been the flagbearer of Indian football after the legendary Bhaichung Bhutia called it a day, added that he had consulted India coach Igor Stimac before announcing his decision.

"When I went to Stimac and told him about my retirement decision, he understood it," he said.

Another person he spoke with was star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli.

"I did talk to Virat Kohli before my retirement decision, he is very close to me. I discussed with him because we both understand that we would know this thing exactly the way it is," Chhetri said.

"The ups and downs of sports, this part of retirement, we do understand that the other person would understand," he added, trying to describe in words the deep bond they have shared over the years.

Talking about the legacy that he will leave behind, Chhetri said: "I never paid any heed (to the legacy bit). One legacy and when they remember me, they should think I was hard working player. That's one thing, I want to leave behind me, is a hard-working player and a good-looking person."