Former Indian Captain Bhaichung Bhutia Retires From International Football

NEW DELHI : Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia has announced his retirement from international football at a press conference held at the Football House in Delhi, bringing an end to an illustrious 16 year career. The ‘Sikkimese Sniper’ played 107 games for the country, scoring 42 goals, the most by any Indian player.

Bhaichung said that he was considering retirement ever since the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008, and had set the Asian Cup in 2011 as his last venture. He only managed to play for 15 minutes in Doha (in a 4-1 defeat to S.Korea), and later pulled out of the upcoming England Tour of India where India will play Pakistan and England U-23 due to a recurring calf injury. Following this he has finally decided to call it a day.

“Winning the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008, to qualify for the Asian Cup were the best moments of my career and I thought of retiring after playing in that tournament.“But I could play only 15 minutes in the Asian Cup and I thought it was not the right way to retire. I wanted to continue playing but the last 7-8 months have been frustrating due to lot of injuries. So I have decided to quit.”

When asked about regrets, he said that he did not have any apart from the fact that he was not able to take India to a World Cup.

“I still want to play for India, but sometimes in life you don’t get what you want.

“I wanted to play the World Cup, but we narrowly missed out on it on a few occasions. I hope I can go with my kids and watch India play the World Cup.”

He applauded the support of the media saying,

“Media support has been great for 16 years, and over the past 2-3 years it has increased and Indian football is moving forward.”

He made it clear that he will continue to work with his club United Sikkim FC, and will not join the AIFF in the near future but will be happy to take up an advisory role.

“Lots of things in life do not happen the way we wish so I am quitting from International football but will continue playing for my club.

“My commitment and contribution to Indian football will not diminish and I am ready to help the AIFF in whatever way they want me, I am just a phone call away.”

He emphasised the importance of youth and infrastructural development in Indian football.

“We need to work on youth development and infrastructure. Sunil Chhetri and Jeje are doing well, but we need many such Sunil Chhetri’s and Jeje Lalpekhlua’s. Just one is not enough. Clubs like Manchester United and Barcelona have really benefited from this.”