All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Mr. Praful Patel thanked Stephen Constantine for his contribution to Indian football.

Constantine who had taken over as the Head Coach of the Senior Men’s Indian National Team in February 2015, announced his decision to step down after India bowed out of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 20159 on Monday.

Constantine’s contract with AIFF ran till January 31.

In his statement, Mr. Patel said: “It’s been a wonderful journey. We have travelled a long distance together, and the world has seen it all. I would like to wish Stephen all the very best for the future, and thank him for all his efforts and contribution towards Indian football.”

AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das in his statement said: “We respect and accept his decision. I would like to thank Stephen for guiding us through a very critical phase in Indian football. Under his guidance we witnessed some of the most successful days in Indian football in recent times. It’s time for Indian football to enter a new phase. I wish Stephen all the best in his future endeavours,” Mr. Das stated.

In the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, India who were clubbed with hosts UAE, Thailand and Bahrain in Group A, finished on 3 points. After a splendid start in the tournament where the Blue Tigers beat Thailand 4-1, they went down to UAE 0-2 and 0-1 to Bahrain in the next two games, thus bowing out.

(AIFF Media)