There Has Never Been A Better Striker In India Than Bhaichung Bhutia - I.M Vijayan

With Bhaichung Bhutia’s farewell game against Bayern Munich just less than 48 hours away, Goal.com caught up with two prominent personalities in Indian football, mercurial striker I.M Vijayan and former Salgaocar defender and present Pune FC coach Derrick Pereira, both of whom have seen Bhaichung Bhutia’s rise from an unknown Sikkimese prodigy to being the torchbearer of Indian football.

I.M Vijayan, a legend in his own right, spoke with great fondness of his partnership with Bhutia which was arguably one of the best India had in the last decade.

“I played a lot with him and he is a very good player. There has never been a better striker in India. I liked playing with him upfront.”

“If you put the ball in the box then Bhaichung would definitely get the goals. The good thing about us two together was that there was no jealousy or any such such problems between us,” he continued.

“If I had the ball and he was in a good position I would pass to him. And if he had the ball then he would always try and find me,” he further added.

Vijayan: Modern Footballers Should Learn From Bhaichung....

The former JCT striker mentioned, “I am almost like his elder brother. We have such a cordial relationship. This is what needs to be seen more of in modern football. People shouldn't think that if my team-mate scores then he shall make all the headlines tomorrow.”

Vijayan also felt that a testimonial against Bayern Munich was a fitting farewell for a player of the stature of Bhutia and thought it would be good for the sport if other players were also given a send-off befitting their services.

“Yes, it will be great if other players also get such farewells. Playing against Bayern Munich is infact a great opportunity for all players but I dont think all players can get such a testimonial. Not many other players though are as deserving as Bhaichung.”

He also spoke about his impending return to the playing field later this month when he shall feature for 'Bhaichung's Dream Team' against some of the biggest names in world football.

“For me as well it will be a great opportunity to play alongside Bhaichung against the FIFA legends team after a long gap. I am looking forward to it."

Derrick Pereira Was First Impressed By A 16 Year Old Bhaichung...

Derrick Pereira, on the other hand, has never played in the same line-up as Bhaichung, but he remembers the time he first played against the Sikkimese Sniper. He reminisced, “I first saw him play when he was a 16 year old. I think it was during the Federation Cup at Calicut. He was playing for East Bengal then. He was very confident even back then and showed he is a genius of a player.”

“He took up the responsibility of taking free-kicks and that made me sit up and take notice. I thought that this boy is a very responsible lad, very confident and positive. And I have been proven correct over time. Over the years he has been the face of Indian football, he has been there and done that and is an exceptional player.”

Bayern Munich In India Indian Icon Bhaichung Bhutia Bids His Farewell Click here for more

The Pune FC coach played against the former Indian captain several times at club level, and revealed how difficult it was to stop Bhutia from leaving his mark on a game.

“He was a good opportunist. He was always at the right place at the right time, this was his strength. When you play against Bhaichung, you have to be very alert, and it was always good to play against him. I enjoyed playing against him but it was tough.”

Derrick also felt that the introduction of testimonials was a good thing for Indian sports, as it allowed a footballer the chance to be given a proper farewell.

“Players are respected across the country and they should be given their due. In foreign countries testimonials are the norm and it is good to recognize the footballers. Being a footballer, I am happy that something like that is happening here,” he concluded.

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