Bhutia happily takes the back seat, for once

NEW DELHI: Spotlight has chased Baichung Bhutia throughout his 18-year-old career. After being hailed as a precocious talent in the early nineties, the former India captain found stardom and an iconic status in a short span of time. But a day before his farewell game against Bayern Munich at the press conference on Monday evening, Bhutia found himself playing second fiddle to Bayern's top stars, the German World Cuppers Philip Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
The Germans, on their part, were gracious in acknowledging that Bhutia remains the face of Indian football and a pin-up boy both at home and abroad. "There's not much we have heard of Indian football in Germany. Whatever little we know about Indian football is because of Bhutia and what we saw of him during some charity games in Europe," said Lahm.
Lahm's praise is surely a great tribute to the former Indian star who considers himself lucky to have his farewell match against Bayern. "It's a worldwide trend for most players to retire after a competitive tournament. Unfortunately, I didn't get that opportunity. But having a farewell match organised against them (Bayern) is a huge honour for me," said Bhutia. "I have just recovered from muscle injury and I hope to play the full game," he added.
Post-retirement, Bhutia promised to carry on his fight for the players. "When they are on national duty, they deserve to be treated well. During my earlier days as a player, we travelled in unreserved bogies, ate unhygienic food and often got dumped in makeshift SAI training centres. Now the picture has changed. Players get five-star accommodation and proper facilities. And I think it should continue even if I am not around," he explained.
Bhutia, who has enjoyed the limelight and fans' adulation more than any other footballer in the country in recent years, urged the federation to spread the I-League all over the country. "I-League should have a pan-India presence. The other states should also get opportunities to be part of I-League which is dominated largely by Goan and Kolkata clubs," he said.
Talking about the upcoming match, Indian coach Savio Medeira admitted that Bayern's visit was good for the fans but not for the health of Indian football. "It generally takes two years of intensive training to prepare for such teams. Still, it is a life-time opportunity for our boys to learn something from the match," said Medeira after his last training session with Bhutia at the Ambedkar Stadium.
On Bhutia, the Goan said it would be difficult to find an immediate replacement. "It will be difficult to find a replacement for Bhutia. Jeje (Lalpekhlua) and Sunil (Chhetri) are doing well but they have a long way to go," he said.