Thanking everyone for being part of his glorious 19-year journey in international football, Sunil Chhetri was in tears as his teammates gave the Indian football icon a guard of honour while the packed Salt Lake Stadium rose for a standing ovation. The 39-year-old talisman walked into international retirement after India were held to a goal-less draw by Kuwait in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers match here on Thursday. "The ones who have watched in videos, the ones who have taken autographs, the ones.. the old-time supporters, thank you everyone. These 19 years would not have been possible without each and everyone of you and I genuinely mean it," Chhetri said on an emotional night.