Bhaichung Bhutia Retires From International Football At The Age Of 34

 

Bhaichung Bhutia Retires From International Football At The Age Of 34

Bhaichung Bhutia announced his decision to retire from international football, days after he was pondering over the decision and thus calling time on an unforgettable career.He shall however continue to play for United Sikkim SC in the I-League second division and hope to gain promotion into the top division in the coming season.

 Under him, India won the South Asian Football Federation Championships thrice, two Nehru Cup titles (in 2007 and 2009) and the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup which gave India the right to play in the Asian Cup this year for the first time after 1984.

"I had fantastic 16 years of international football. I enjoyed every moment to have represented the country, to have contributed to the game," Bhaichung said.

“Winning the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008, to qualify for the Asian Cup were the best moments of my career and I thought of retiring after playing in that tournament.But I could play only 15 minutes in the Asian Cup and I thought it was not the right way to retire. I wanted to continue playing but the last seven-to-eight months have been frustrating due to lot of injuries. So I have decided to quit," he reasoned.

"Lots of things in life do not happen the way we wish so I am quitting from international football but will continue playing for my club,” he added.

The Sikkimese Sniper cited injury concerns as one of the primary reasons which got him to this conclusion and end his international career.

“I made several attempts at comeback by the injuries kept recurring,” he mentioned as he pulled out of the India U-23 tour to England where they are to play two friendlies and England U-23.

Bhaichung Bhutia In Action Against South Korea

Bhaichung is regarded as one of the greatest Indian players, having scored 43 goals in over a 100 appearances for the country. Under his leadership, India has won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championships thrice, two Nehru Cup titles (in 2007 and 2009) and the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup which guaranteed a spot in the 2011 Asian Cup.

"My commitment and contribution to Indian football will not diminish and I am ready to help the AIFF in whatever way they want me," said the 34 year old.