ISL 2020-21: Bhaichung Bhutia excited for 'bigger' Kolkata derby
Football | November 27, 2020 12:45 ISTBhutia has featured for both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan during his illustrious club career.
Bhutia has featured for both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan during his illustrious club career.
Paying his tribute to Maradona, Bhutia said he always aspired to play like the football legend.
Bhutia said the club would face difficulties in making up a squad and should look to build a team for the long-term.
Mohun Bagan have already become a part of the ISL this session by joining hands with ATK, an ISL franchise.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made the announcement on Wednesday, saying "all problems are solved, East Bengal will now play in the ISL".
The football stadium in Namchi, South Sikkim will be the first in India to be named after a footballer.
Bhutia stressed on the importance of continuously producing quality players for the national team by focussing on the grassroots.
Bhutia said top strikers will need "to develop technically and mentally" because they get only a fraction of a second to put the ball past the goalkeeper into the net.
Bhaichung Bhutia threw light on the lack of a striker who can fill Chhetri's boots once he calls it a day,
Bhutia was referring to East Bengal's tie up with Quess Corp, who had a 70 per cent stake but made a premature exit, something that is mired in controversy
The ace striker from Sikkim opined that cricket might suffer behind closed doors, but due to the nature of football it will remain attractive.
The 43-year-old Bhutia, who was the first Indian footballer to have played 100 international matches, expressed his desire to contest for the role of AIFF president in future.
Bhutia said a technical snag forced him to join the video conference late and he could not speak, but added that he has two points he would like Modi to address.
Bhutia said he's in touch with the local administration to arrange for medical services.
Bhaichung Bhutia will be a part of AFC's 'Break the Chain' campaign in fight against coronavirus.
It was the 1997 Federation Cup semi-final where Banerjee's East Bengal hammered Mohun Bagan 4-1 in front of 1,31,000 spectators. The iconic Bhutia netted a hat-trick.
Bhutia's comment comes as a huge boost for the coach after AIFF's Technical Committee made its displeasure known over the Stimac's performance in the games against Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
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