Kolkata: Brazilian World Cup winner Dunga was on Tuesday felicitated by the state government at the conclusion of his two-day trip here during Durga Puja festival with a promise to return again to enthrall the football-crazy city.
Dunga will be back with his former teammates Roberto Carlos, Bebeto, Mario da Silva, Zinho, Juninho Paulista and Zetti among others leading Brazilian Masters against a star-studded Sports Minister Legends in an exhibition-cum-charity match here on December 8.
"We are very impressed with India. We never thought it to be so exciting. The first thing we are going to tell our people there is what all happened here," Dunga said through an interpreter here today.
"The spirit and affection of people here is like in Brazil. We are eagerly waiting to come back again for the match," the former Brazil captain and coach said.
Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammadan Sporting also presented him with scarfs and mementos, while the Bengal Olympic Association and Bengal Hockey Association too felicitated the former defender.
There was also representation from AIFF with I-League CEO Sunando Dhar felicitating on behalf of the West Bengal Sports Council.
With I-League showpiece match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal scheduled at the same venue the next day on December 9, Dhar requested Dunga to stay back to have a feel of football fervour of the city.
"You will get to see the real football madness with more than 100,000 in attendance. That will be a real experience," Dhar said.
Asked whether AIFF was in loop for the upcoming high-profile fixture, Dhar said: "A clearance from the ministry of sports is needed when any foreign club or players come in. It`s routed through the AIFF.
"We have not been officially informed but I`m sure everything will be put in place when the day approaches," Dhar said.
Dressed in a bright-coloured sherwarni, Dunga yesterday pandal hopped to see the various community Durga Puja celebrations. This morning he visited Victoria Memorial and Babughat before meeting the sports minister Madan Mitra at the Writers Buildings state secretariat.
He is scheduled to fly back tomorrow early morning.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, October 23, 2012, 18:14