Feroz Khan/Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: Baichung Bhutia, who on Tuesday donned the national colours for one last time, wishes to see Indian football back to its glory days. Speaking at a media event, Bhutia spoke about his farewell match and future plans.
Excerpts from the interaction:
Would you consider coming out of retirement if needed?
I hope the best days come back for Indian football, and I am very happily retiring. But if there is a need tomorrow, I would come out of retirement, but I don`t think that situation should come ever. The current members of the national squad are very good. I hope and pray that I am not called back for the national team.
What about plans for your club, your school?
After announcing my retirement six months back, I have been totally busy with my club United Sikkim FC and football school in Delhi. I am planning to start one in Mumbai as well. Within the last 10 months, the enrolment has gone up from 20 to 300 plus kids and we hope to find quality talent from across the country.
Which is the best moment of your football career?
I have been asked this question a lot in the past few years. My favourite and most memorable moment is qualifying for the Asia Cup and winning AFC Challenge Cup.
Will we see you for full ninety minutes or just a cameo?
I want to last ninety minutes for sure. I have just recovered from an injury and have been taking care of it for the last one month. At the same time, talking of fitness level of a national team and Bayern Munich standard, I am not quite there.
First Published: Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 12:34