Thank you for all your dedication & hard work, happy retirement legend: Fans react on Twitter after India's draw against Kuwait

By Alen Philip Mathew

Alen Philip Mathew has been a correspondent for Kerala Blasters, covering Indian football and Indian Super League for Khel Now since 2021.

Published at :June 6, 2024 at 11:11 PM

Modified at :June 6, 2024 at 11:11 PM

Indian football fans also criticized Igor Stimac.

The Salt Lake Stadium witnessed a blend of emotions as India faced Kuwait in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers match. Ending in a draw, the result cast a shadow over India’s chances to advance to the next round.

While this result has made India‘s chances to make it to the next round look slim, the focus of the night was not on the points or positions. Instead, it was about celebrating and bidding farewell to a national hero – Sunil Chhetri.

A Wave of Appreciation

Twitter has been flooded with heartfelt messages from fans expressing their appreciation and gratitude towards their idol. Emotional posts remembering the legend’s contributions over the years have dominated the platform.

Fans are sharing their favorite moments, expressing deep thanks for the memories and celebrating the player’s great career.

Sunil Chhetri, The legend which I'll tell my kids about.#IndianFootball
— Anush (@realanushh) June 6, 2024

#INDKUW #IndianFootballGoalless in Kolkata. as SC11 bows out with disappointment.A career with many highs but also many frustrations ends on the latter note. Thank you, Sunil Chhetri. But boy is there work to do.https://t.co/FNQNdvBDNB pic.twitter.com/e432n3OdEK
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) June 6, 2024

'Golden Sunil' 💙 #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/WWQwmZiHIW
— 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐮𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐆 💎 (@mohunbaganlad) June 6, 2024

Thank you for the years of dedication, passion, and countless memories. 🇮🇳⚽️Happy retirement, Captain.Go well.! 🙌🌟#Manjappada #IndianFootball #Farewell #SC11 pic.twitter.com/vtCw1bQO7Q
— Manjappada (@kbfc_manjappada) June 6, 2024

Thank You @chetrisunil11 The Captain, Leader, Legend of Indian Football You Gave Everything To This Sports, Will Miss U Sunil Chhetri 🥹 #IndianFootball #SunilChhetri
— Cricket Ka Expert (@Yjjain2006) June 6, 2024

Thank you Captain Sunil Chhetri 🥹♥️🇮🇳 Indian football can never forget what you did for the country champ @chetrisunil11 👑🔥 we will miss you, Happy Retirement Legend 🥳🇮🇳💯 #SunilChhetri #IndianFootball #INDKUW #BlueTigers pic.twitter.com/lsrywlG3kR
— Dr.Deepak Jain (@Deepakjain1827) June 6, 2024

Captain, legend, leader that’s @chetrisunil11 for u!! #INDKUW #ThankYouSC11 #FIFAWorldCup 🏆 #BlueTigers 🐯 #IndianFootball ⚽️ @BluePilgrims pic.twitter.com/xUvecPUBlZ
— dekho_magar_pyaar_se (@dhairya_pjs0010) June 6, 2024

Thank you, Captain. You will always be in our hearts forever. He wanted to be remembered as the most hardworking athlete in Indian sports, and we shall take inspiration from him. Sonar Sunil forever. #IndianFootball #SunilChhetri #INDKUW pic.twitter.com/DjyyvX0gIQ
— The Cow Corner (@_cow_corner_) June 6, 2024

Calls for a Better Farewell

The celebratory mood was tinged with disappointment for some fans regarding the match’s outcome that the draw wasn’t the ideal farewell for Chhetri. Many believe the legend deserved a more fitting farewell.

A significant number of tweets have criticized the draw, suggesting that the national team could have performed better to honor their idol.

We're so sorry @chetrisunil11 😔 not the sending off we'd have like to give you 💔 happy retirement, hope to see you in new roles 💝 #IndianFootball
— Uddipta kr Kashyap (@UddiptaKumarKa3) June 6, 2024

Thank you Captain, Leader, Legend. You deserve a better farewell. 💔#IndianFootball #SC11 #SunilChhetri
— Hiren Patel (@curiousharry19) June 6, 2024

That was a last lap worthy of a legend. Go well, captain. Thank you for all the joys you have brought to #indianfootball fans over two decades. #BackTheBlue #BlueTigers #INDKUW #ThankYouSC11
— Chiranjit Ojha (@ChiranjitOjha) June 6, 2024

Sunil Chhetri literally don't deserve this ending…… 💔 https://t.co/SUH2flgY5K
— EAST BENGAL THE REAL GLORY 🔴🟡 (@EBRG_1920) June 6, 2024

This was our easiest chance to qualify for the 3rd round of WC qualification and we bottled it. This team don't deserve any kind of support. Absolute nincompoops, bunch of jokers. Feeling sorry for Sunil.
— 𝘿𝙄𝙈𝙄𝙂𝙊𝘿 𝙀𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙖𝙨𝙩 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (@PrasunMitra12) June 6, 2024

Criticism of Coach Igor Stimac

Alongside the emotional tributes, there has been a surge of criticism directed at coach Igor Stimac. Fans are frustrated with the team’s performance, especially given the extensive training camp held before the game. Many are questioning the coach’s strategies and decisions, blaming him for the display.

Is there still any reason for Lord Stimac to stay? #IndianFootball #StimacOut
— Mohamed Arshath (@arshathluvsport) June 6, 2024

The Coach needs the go. I don't care.no excuses, the team got much time to prepare for this game and this is what we get.There's no improvement and he has had this team for 5 years?? Resign now @stimac_igor #IndianFootball
— Vishal 🏝️ (@Vishal_FCB) June 6, 2024

Soooo didn't like Igor stimac say that he'll leave if he can't beat Kuwait. He got an entire month of preparation time yet no win.Saw no tactics, blunder subs which didn't improve anything and 0 chemistry between players after 1 month campSack Igor.#INDKUW #IndianFootball
— Elysin (@Hezekiel_Keifer) June 6, 2024

You all deserve this, you lost your chance the moment you decided to continue with Stimac after Asian cup. Now don't act like you guys ever cared @kalyanchaubey @stimac_igor #StimacOut #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/0yTnvmkg8b
— forhan💎 (@relicF14) June 6, 2024

I STAND WITH MY OPINION 🙌When I told this below tweet, many of those Igor Fans came below my comments and tried to teach me as if he's the best coach India has ever got.Shame on those who commented below supporting him.SHAME 🤌#IndianFootball #INDKUW #StimacOut https://t.co/2NOY8Ukbi7 pic.twitter.com/ir6SJDB19J
— Kevin (@kevbmat) June 6, 2024

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Alen Philip Mathew

Football journalist with years of expertise covering Indian football, particularly Kerala Blasters and the Indian Super League. Alongside his passion for sports, he is a dedicated medical student. Alen specializes in match analysis, player interviews, and community reactions.