Mr. Baichung Bhutia,
Former Captain of Indian Football Team,
Sir, I do not understand Indian football much despite being a die-hard supporter of Brazil and Manchester United. But that does not prevent me from being a supporter of my own country, even when it plays against much better teams, and a huge fan of a legend that India has produced. Yes, sir, I am a great fan of you.
Before beginning this letter, I would like to say that this is not one of those letters where you will find detailed criticisms of your on-field actions.
As we stand on the threshold of an emotional retirement, I recall that I first saw you eight years ago (I am 15 now) not in a stadium, not on T.V but inside a shopping mall. You had become quite a celebrity by then, but a kid, I was totally bemused to see a handsome man with dark sunglasses walk towards his car with a large crowd jostling to get a glimpse of him. Obviously, I didn’t recognize you (I feel ashamed now for that missed opportunity) but little did I know then that one day, I’ll become a huge fan of this stranger!
I have always been excited to watch you play, your skills have always mesmerized me. No matter whichever jersey you boast of — be it East Bengal or Mohun Bagan — you have always been true to your team and to your shirt. Your goal-scoring spree, your quick moment and fearlessness in front of the goal have always served as a lesson for me. I had almost fallen in love with your headers and your bicycle kicks. Another thing that amused me to a great extent is your accuracy.
Off the field, you have shaped your public persona in an astonishing way. You have been a role model for many Indians aspiring to be pro-footballers. Your love for the game, your passion and dedication is something which every common man should learn from.
Sir, I know that your career has been riddled with a number of controversies. Those conflicts with some Mohun Bagan officials, and your relentless support for Bob Houghton in the face of AIFF are some instances. In spite of that, you have done your job as a footballer and a national captain. You have never been carried off by controversies. That is, perhaps, the best part of you.
You have served the country well and under your able leadership, India has won several tough ties. I haven’t been lucky enough to watch the likes of Chuni Goswami, P.K. Banerjee or Prasun Banerjee play but I feel blessed to have got a chance to watch a footballer like you. It may be true that these great men have scored more goals than you and Sunil Chetri may ultimately end up scoring the most number of times for the country, but to me, you are a rare exception, given your style of football and your flamboyance. And so, to a 15-year-old like me, you are no less than a legend.
Sir, you are bidding farewell to football as a player, but I’m sure you still have lots to contribute as an administrator or in management. I’m looking forward to the United Sikkim Club games and the day when a player from your club gets to play for India, I am sure that you will be remembered for your contribution to the sport.
“Thank you” is too short to express my gratitude for all your contributions to Indian football, but I am really out of words on this emotional day. One thing I can assure you, sir, you will always remain in our hearts forever.
Wishing you all the best for your remaining life,
and thanking you once more,
Your admirer.
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