Sunday, March 16, 2025

Stage set for Bhutia’s last hurrah

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NEW DELHI: Former captain Bhaichung Bhutia will don the national colours one last time when the Indian football team takes on German giants Bayern Munich in his farewell exhibition match on Tuesday.

Bhaichung, who retired from international football last year after playing for 16 years since 1995, will captain the national team for the last time, a job he had done for more than 10 years before his retirement.

The Capital’s most high-profile football match, to be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, will see a bevy of international stars such as Philipp Lahm, Arjen Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Mueller and Mario Gomez in the Bayern Munich ranks.

The result of the match though is a foregone conclusion with Bayern bringing their first team after their week-long winter training camp in Doha. Bayern have won the Bundesliga 22 times and the UEFA Champions League four times.

Bhaichung admitted that there was no question of comparing the national team with Bayern Munich but said the match would be an opportunity for the Indian players to find out how much they need to improve.

“You cannot compare the Indian team with Bayern Munich which is as good as the German national side. But it’s an opportunity for the players to know how much they need to work on to take themselves to level of top international stars,” he said.

“For me, it is just enjoying my last match and enjoying the moment. I feel honoured to play my farewell match against a top side like Bayern Munich,” added Baichung.

“Very happy to retire this time. If needed I shall always be there for the team but this time I don’t see reason why the team needs me. But I will keep contributing to Indian football in my own way, with BBFS and United Sikkim,” Bhutia added.

Though India made a first round exit from the Asian Cup after conceding 13 goals, qualifying for the elite tournament in the continent remains Bhutia’s most memorable moment in his illustrious career that spanned 18 years.

“To qualify for the Asian Cup after winning the AFC Challenge Cup remains the most memorable part of my career,” he said.

Indian coach Savio Medeira was candid that his side will be rank outsiders against Bayern.

“The match will be one of the most high-profile one played by the national team. But you cannot compare India with Bayern in any sense. It is a lifetime opportunity for the players to rub shoulders with some of the best players and against one of the best sides. They will learn from the match,” he said.

India will miss the services of Sunil Chhetri, who suffered an injury during the SAFF Championships last month. (Agencies)

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