Panaji: In a TOI exclusive, Sunil Chhetri revealed he is preparing for life after professional football and could retire at the end of the 2025-26 season if Bengaluru FC fails to win the Indian Super League (ISL) and qualify for continental competitions. “If we win the ISL, it will give me a chance to wear national (winning) club colours and play in international competitions again. At 42, it’s not easy. I want to score 15 goals this season and retire,” Chhetri told TOI in an exclusive video call on Thursday. Regarded as one of India’s greatest footballers, Chhetri ended his international career last June with a memorable farewell at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, where fans showered him with love. However, he was persuaded to return in June this year by then-coach Manolo Marquez.

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