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Former India international Nirmal Chettri has announced earlier today his retirement from professional football after a long and successful career.
The 32 year old Melli-born full back started his senior career with Air India back in 2006 after being spotted by the Airmen at the Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup before playing for both Bengal giants, East Bengal Club and Mohun Bagan AC respectively. Despite being a defender, Chettri scored three goals for Mohun Bagan, including one on his debut, He was loaned out to Mohammedan Sporting Club in 2013 where he scored another couple of goals.
In 2013, Nirmal Chhetri went on a trial-cum-training stint with then German Bundesliga 2 side Fortuna Düsseldorf.
In 2014, ISL side Kerala Blasters FC sought the services of the defender who joined them and helped the team to the finals where they lost against Atletico de Kolkata. Chhetri then moved to NorthEast United FC where he played in 2016 and 2017 with a loan spell at DSK Shivajians FC in-between before moving to Goa to join the Gaurs.
Thereafter Nirmal Chettri signed for Minerva Punjab FC before taking time off football as he got married and having had a son. This summer Nirmal wanted to focus on football again and joined Southern Samity for whom he played in the Calcutta Football League before now announcing his retirement.
Nirmal Chettri wrote on his social media, “I’ve lived my dream. Thank you all 👏
It has been an unbelievable journey filled with so many incredible moments and I feel privileged to have experienced all that I did during my career.
From being the village boy from Melli kicking a ball around in the river side ground to play at Kolkata’s maidan and winning trophies were beyond my wildest dreams.
Wearing @indianfootball Team’s Blue Jersey was a great honour for me which I wore it with pride and passion.
Also sharing the dressing room with many top international & national players will always remain special.
It’s been a really tough decision and one I have discussed with my family and those closest to me.
Football will always remain in my blood and it gives me great pride and satisfaction to look back on that blessed career that I’ve had. I now look forward to spending some quality time with my family & friends and work to give it back to beautiful game and society.
Lastly I would like to thank all former clubs, coaches, teammates, medical staffs and importantly my well wishers for continued support, love and encouragement throughout my career.
I have enjoyed every moment of my career and now I officially announce my retirement from professional football.”
I've lived my dream. Thank you all 👏 pic.twitter.com/R19aQHRHSq
— Nirmal Chettri (@nirmalchettri03) November 7, 2022
