Football

Sunil Chhetri, the legendary Indian footballer, has bid farewell to international football after a remarkable career spanning two decades. The 39-year-old forward announced his retirement through a heartfelt video on social media, stating that India's upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait on June 6 will be his final match.Chhetri's journey began in 2002 with Mohun Bagan, and his exceptional talent quickly propelled him to international recognition. He has represented India in 150 matches, scoring an astonishing 94 goals, making him the third-highest active international goal-scorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.Chhetri's international exploits include victories in the Nehru Cup (2007, 2009, 2012) and the SAFF Championship (2011, 2015, 2021). His contribution to India's 2008 AFC Challenge Cup win secured their first AFC Asian Cup appearance in 27 years.Beyond his international success, Chhetri has also left an indelible mark on Indian club football. He has lifted trophies with prestigious clubs like East Bengal, Dempo, Mumbai City FC, and Bengaluru FC, where he truly flourished, winning the I-League (2014, 2016), ISL (2019), and Super Cup (2018).Chhetri's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian football. His dedication, passion, and unwavering spirit have inspired generations of players and fans alike. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and motivate aspiring footballers for years to come.

Juventus emerged victorious in the Italian Cup final, defeating Atalanta 1-0 thanks to a fourth-minute strike from Dusan Vlahovic. The win marked Juventus' 15th Italian Cup triumph, ending a three-year trophy drought for the Turin giants.Vlahovic's early goal proved decisive as Juventus' resolute defense held firm against Atalanta's attacking prowess. The Serbian striker, who also had a goal disallowed for offside in the second half, was a constant threat to Atalanta's backline.Atalanta, who were seeking their first major trophy since 1963, struggled to break down Juventus' organized defense. Despite fielding an attack-minded lineup, Gian Piero Gasperini's team failed to register a single shot on target.The closest Atalanta came to equalizing was when Ademola Lookman's shot cannoned off the base of the post with 10 minutes remaining. However, Juventus held on to secure the victory and lift the trophy.Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri, who was sent off late in the game, hinted that his second spell as Juve coach could be coming to an end. "If I'm gone next season, because I've already been sacked in the media, we're in the Champions League and have won a trophy," Allegri said.Atalanta now turn their attention to securing Champions League football through Serie A and next week's Europa League final. The Bergamo club, who are fifth in Italy's top flight, face Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin in their first-ever European final.

Real Madrid's relentless march towards the Champions League final continued with a resounding 5-0 victory over Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu. Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior were the stars of the show, inspiring Carlo Ancelotti's side to a comprehensive demolition of their Basque visitors.Bellingham opened the scoring with a fortunate goal, directing Toni Kroos' cross towards the far post where Dani Carvajal was running in, but the ball sank directly into the net. The England international then played a pivotal role in Madrid's next three goals, threading a pass through for Eduardo Camavinga to set up Vinicius for a tap-in.Fede Valverde rattled home the third in first-half stoppage time after Bellingham played him in, hammering a strike into the top corner at the near post. Vinicius extended Madrid's lead after Bellingham played him in, lashing home his second of the night with a fine finish.Turkish teenager Arda Guler added a late fifth to put the cherry on Madrid's cake, moving them 17 points clear of second-place Barcelona. The victory was Madrid's 30th consecutive league game unbeaten, a testament to their defensive solidity."We've had just one defeat in the league and I think that a big part of the success is because of (the defence)," Ancelotti said after the match.Despite celebrating their title with an open-top bus parade on Sunday, Madrid remain focused on the Champions League final against Liverpool on May 28. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made a fine double save from Samu Omorodion in the opening minutes, is hoping for a start in the final and boasts three clean sheets in three matches since his return from injury."I knew I'd come back strongly -- I'm the same Courtois, or even better," said the goalkeeper.Alaves, who have enjoyed a strong season and are safely ensconced in mid-table, were dismantled with consummate ease by Madrid. Coach Luis Garcia Plaza lamented, "Every time a small team comes here, it's a torment."

Manchester City took a commanding step towards an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday. Erling Haaland's clinical finishing proved decisive, as the Norwegian striker netted twice to secure the crucial three points.The match began with a tense atmosphere, with Tottenham fans torn between supporting their own team and potentially aiding City's title charge. However, the home crowd made their feelings clear with chants of "Stand up if you hate Arsenal," their bitter local rivals.Despite Tottenham's early pressure, City gradually asserted their dominance. Kevin De Bruyne's pinpoint cross found Haaland unmarked in the box, and the Norwegian tapped home to break the deadlock in the 51st minute.Tottenham pushed for an equalizer, but City's defense held firm. Substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega made a brilliant save to deny Son Heung-min, and the visitors were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes when Pedro Porro brought down Jeremy Doku. Haaland stepped up to convert the spot-kick, sealing the victory for City.The win puts Pep Guardiola's team two points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table with just one game remaining. A victory at home against West Ham on Sunday will secure the title for City, regardless of Arsenal's result against Everton.Guardiola praised his team's resilience and urged the fans to create a raucous atmosphere for the final match. "We know what we're playing for," he said. "The tension is there, the rival is so good. It's why it is difficult, we know that."Tottenham's defeat guarantees Aston Villa a place in the Champions League next season, joining City, Arsenal, and Liverpool in Europe's top-tier competition.

Thai women's football goalkeeper Sukanya Chor Charoenying's World Cup debut in 2019 was an unforgettable experience, albeit a painful one. The team's record-breaking 13-0 defeat to the United States left a lasting impact on Sukanya and captain Kanjana Sungngoen.Despite their initial confidence, Thailand found themselves overwhelmed by the American juggernaut. Sukanya, now 36, recalls the devastating loss with tears in her eyes. "We were heartbroken that we had disappointed the Thai people," she says.The defeat sparked a wave of online mockery, but also criticism of the Americans' behavior. However, Kanjana, who scored Thailand's only goal in the tournament, defended the US players. "To not hold back, that's the way of professional football," she says.The loss served as a wake-up call for Thai women's football. "We realized that we had to put as much effort into development as them to be at the same level," Kanjana says.Since then, the Thai women's game has made strides in organization and efficiency. However, challenges remain, including a shortage of top clubs and limited facilities.Despite these obstacles, the election of Nualphan Lamsam as the Thai FA's first woman president has raised hopes for the future. Lamsam has set a target of qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup.Sukanya, now retired from playing, believes the current team can draw on the lessons of 2019. "I couldn't beat you today, so I will go back and train our young players so they can," she says.The pride of representing her country at a World Cup still burns bright for Sukanya. "Just to have played there against the best in the world I can talk about it until I die," she says.

Joselu Mato, a Spanish striker, has emerged as an unlikely hero for Real Madrid in their quest for a record-breaking 15th UEFA Champions League title. Two years ago, he was a fan in the stands, cheering on his beloved club as they lifted the trophy in Paris. Now, he is the one leading the charge on the pitch, scoring crucial goals that have propelled Madrid to the final at Wembley.Joselu's journey to the Bernabeu has been a winding one. Born in Germany to Spanish parents, he moved to Spain at a young age and began his career with Celta Vigo. In 2009, he was signed by Real Madrid and spent several years with the club's youth team, Castilla. He made his first-team debut in 2011, but limited opportunities led him to seek a move away.After stints with Hoffenheim, Eintracht Frankfurt, Hannover 96, Stoke City, and Alaves, Joselu returned to Madrid in 2022 on a loan deal. The club was in need of a striker following the departure of Karim Benzema, and Joselu was seen as a stop-gap solution. However, he has proven to be much more than that.Despite facing initial skepticism from fans, Joselu has silenced his critics with his performances on the pitch. He has scored 17 goals for Madrid this season, including two crucial goals in the semi-final against Bayern Munich that sent the Spanish giants to the final.Joselu's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unexpected turns that life can take. From being a fan in the stands to leading his team to the brink of European glory, his journey is an inspiration to all who dare to dream.

In the annals of football history, Arsenal's "Invincibles" stand as a testament to the extraordinary heights that can be achieved through unwavering determination and collective brilliance. Twenty years ago, on May 15, 2004, the Gunners etched their names into immortality by completing an unbeaten Premier League season, a feat that has remained unmatched in the English top-flight.Led by the visionary Arsene Wenger, Arsenal's squad boasted an array of exceptional talents. Thierry Henry, the league's top scorer with 30 goals, was a force of nature, capable of scoring spectacular goals from any angle. Dennis Bergkamp, a master of space and movement, provided the perfect foil for Henry, while Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg terrorized opponents from the wings.The team's backbone was anchored by Patrick Vieira, a midfield general who epitomized resilience and determination. Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell, Kolo Toure, and Lauren formed an impenetrable back four, while Gilberto Silva and Vieira controlled the midfield with authority.Arsenal's unbeaten run was not without its challenges. They faced a stern test early in the season against Manchester United at Old Trafford, where they were forced to play with 10 men after Vieira's dismissal. However, they displayed remarkable defensive resilience and held on for a 0-0 draw.Another defining moment came in the clash against Liverpool, where Arsenal rebounded from disappointing exits in the FA Cup and Champions League to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory. Henry's hat-trick showcased the team's ability to overcome adversity and maintain their focus.The Invincibles' success was not solely based on individual brilliance but on a collective spirit that transcended the pitch. They played with a relentless intensity, never giving up even when faced with setbacks. Their unwavering belief in themselves and their manager was a key factor in their historic achievement.Arsenal's unbeaten season remains a source of inspiration for generations of players and fans alike. It serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a shared vision, anything is possible.

Raphael Varane, the esteemed French defender, has announced his departure from Manchester United at the conclusion of the season. The 31-year-old joined the Red Devils in 2021 from Real Madrid, where he had enjoyed immense success.During his three-year tenure at Old Trafford, Varane made 93 appearances, scoring twice. He played a pivotal role in the club's triumph in the 2023 League Cup, their first trophy in six years. However, his time at United has been marred by injuries, limiting his playing time.Despite the challenges, Varane remains optimistic about the future of the club. He expressed his admiration for the fans and the club's history, stating, "The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player was insane, the atmosphere was amazing."Varane's departure comes amidst a tumultuous season for United, who currently languish in eighth place in the Premier League. The club has endured 14 defeats and faces an uphill battle to qualify for European competition.Erik ten Hag, United's manager, will have to address the defensive void left by Varane's exit. The Dutchman has two league matches remaining before the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.Manchester United released a statement acknowledging Varane's departure, praising his "great deal of class and experience." The club highlighted his "unflappable work at the heart of the defence," recognizing his contributions to the team.

Aston Villa's Champions League hopes received a major boost as they fought back from a 3-1 deficit to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw against Liverpool on Monday. The result leaves Villa on 68 points with one game remaining, five clear of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who have two matches still to come.The match started disastrously for Villa when goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez fumbled a tame Harvey Elliot cross into his own net in the second minute. However, Villa responded well and equalized through Youri Tielemans 10 minutes later.Liverpool regained the lead in the 23rd minute through Cody Gakpo, but Villa refused to give up. Jarell Quansah headed in off the post from a free kick in the 48th minute to make it 2-2.Liverpool looked set to secure all three points when Quansah scored an own goal in the 65th minute. However, Villa substitute Jhon Duran had other ideas. The Colombian striker scored twice in the final five minutes to earn Villa a vital point.Duran's first goal came in the 85th minute when he latched onto a loose ball in the Liverpool area and fired home. He then completed the comeback in the 88th minute with a stunning strike from outside the box.The draw leaves Villa in a strong position to secure a top-four finish and a place in next season's Champions League. They will play their final game of the season at Crystal Palace on Sunday, while Tottenham end their campaign at relegated Sheffield United.