In pics: India's football icon Bhutia bids adieu

Aug 24, 2011 11:24am

The poster boy of Indian football, former captain Baichung Bhutia will take field for the last time in his farewell match against Bayern Munich on January 10, 2012, after announcing his retirement in August 2011. (Getty Images)
Born on December 15, 1976, at Namchi, Sikkim, Bhutia made his international debut against Uzbekistan in 1995 and since then there has been no looking back for this footballing maestro. (Getty Images)
Baichung first marked his arrival in the Indian football circuit when he impressed with performances in the 1992 Subroto Cup in New Delhi where he played for SAI Centre Gangtok. The following year, he was signed by Kolkata giants East Bengal. (Getty Images)
In 1995, Baichung signed up for JCT Mills of Phagwara and had two very exceptional seasons with them that also saw them win the first-ever National Football League title, with him being the league's top-scorer. (Getty Images)
Baichung went on to sign for Division Two club Bury FC in 1999 to become the second ever Indian after Mohammed Salim to play in Europe. (Reuters)
He returned to India in 2002 and played a significant role for East Bengal including his splendid display in the red and gold brigade's historic ASEAN cup triumph in 2003. (Reuters)
Baichung also had success with Mohun Bagan from 2006 to 2009, a spell during which he won the Federation Cup for the first time in his career. He later returned to East Bengal. (Getty Images)
Bhutia captained India for more than 10 years and scored 43 international goals, more than any other footballer in the country. He is also the only Indian and one among few international players to have played more then 100 matches for his country. (Reuters)
He led India to 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. (Reuters)
The most recognisable face of Indian football, Bhutia has during his 16-year career been decorated with the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri. (Reuters)