Kolkata, Aug 13: Star striker and national football team skipper Baichung Bhutia today formally returned to Indian Club soccer after a three year hiatus by signing for city giants Mohun Bagan. Bhutia, accompanied by senior Bagan officials, went to the Indian Football Association office here in the afternoon and completed the formalities much to the delight of a substantial number of club supporters who thronged the IFA premises.
The nimble-footed Sikkimese, who became the first Indian footballer to play in the English professional league when he registered with second division side bury FC three years back, was earlier presented the club's number 15 jersey at a function in the Bagan tent. Bhutia, who would partner Brazilian upfronter Jose Ramirez Barreto lending an awesome look to the Bagan forwardline, said he had signed a one-year contract with Bagan in his maiden season with the national league champions.
Speaking to newspersons, Bhutia said it was an honour to play for Bagan. "My association is in line with the core values of the team, spirit of the game and my love for the people of Kolkata."
Bhutia had last month sent a letter to the All India Football Federation seeking international transfer from bury FC after the expiry of his three-year contract with the club. Incidentally, bury has been relegated to the third division of the English professional league this season. Bureau Report