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Bayern Munich game declared Bhutia’s Farewell Match

Baichung Bhutia, Martin Hägele, Kushal Das

Team India’s match against FC Bayern Munich has been officially declared as Baichung Bhutia’s “Farewell Match”. The announcement was made by AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das at a function organised by the German club at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium today.

“The Ministry of Sports is keen in turning the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium into a football hub and this match against Bayern Munich will only facilitate the process. Hopefully, it will be an occasion to remember for long,” Kushal Das said.

“I am grateful to Bayern Munich for coming over to Delhi and playing a match against the Senior Indian National Team. The All India Football Federation will utilise the opportunity and the match will be the Official Farewell match for Baichung Bhutia,” Das added.

Legendary India skipper Baichung Bhutia announced his retirement from international football in August. The 34-year old striker had an extraordinary career with the Indian national football team and is rated as one of the best – maybe even the best – footballer the country has ever seen.

Baichung made his senior international debut in the Nehru Cup against Thailand at the age of 19 in 1995. India played Uzbekistan a few days later and Baichung Bhutia scored to become the youngest goals scorer ever for the Indian national team. The talismanic star skipper earned 110 senior international caps, while scoring 43 goals.

“I’d always wanted to retire playing a match. I stay grateful to the AIFF for giving me an opportunity to play my last match,” Baichung said at the function.

“It’s a challenge for me. I need to get fit and be in shape to play against the world famous club,” he concluded.

The match is scheduled to be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on January 10, 2012.

Please attend the historic encounter and say “THANK YOU” to one the best footballers India has ever seen:
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