New Delhi: India's friendly match against top German football club Bayern Munich in January next year will see Bhaichung Bhutia donning the national colours for one final time, All India Football Federation (AIFF) general secretary Kushal Das announced on Saturday.
India will play current Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich in a friendly at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on January 10 next year, and the AIFF has decided to honour Bhaichung for his stellar contribution to Indian football on the occasion.
Speaking at a function organised by Bayern Munich on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JNS) premises, Das said: "The Ministry of Sports is keen to turn JNS into a football hub and this match against Bayern Munich will only facilitate the process. Hopefully, it will be an occasion to remember for long."
"I am grateful to Bayern Munich for coming over to Delhi and playing a match against our senior national team. The match will also be the official farewell match for Bhaichung Bhutia," he added.
Bhaichung, who was also present, said: "I always wanted to retire playing a match. I stay grateful to the AIFF for giving me an opportunity to play my last match."
"It is a challenge for me. I need to get fit and be in shape to play against one of the best clubs in the world."
The match will be played at the JNS, which will soon be established as the hub of football in the country, said Kushal Das.
Bhaichung retired from international football in August this year at the age of 34.
He had 109 international caps under his belt and scored 43 goals during his illustrious career.
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