Bhutia thanks everyone for grand farewell

New Delhi, Jan 10 (IBNS) Curtains finally came down on former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia's 16-year long international career with a testimonial match against the mighty Bayern Munich at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Tuesday.

"I would like to thank Audi for bringing Bayern Munich to India and making them appear in my testimonial match. I would also like to thank the AIFF and everyone in the media as well for making this game memorable," he said.

"It is great that one of the top European clubs like Bayern Munich played on Indian soil. I really hope they go on and win the Champions League this time," he added.

"Sixteen years has been a long journey and thanks to Savio (Medeira) also, we have worked together in the national team for many years. He recently won the SAFF Cup and I hope he takes the national team to greater heights in the near future," he said.

Savio said the Indian boys were a little carried away by the big names

"Its true that they were not playing to their full potential as they were not communicating well. Fresh legs helped us in the second half and we performed much better," he said.

"The positives that I can take is that the boys got to play against some of the big names and that will surely give them confidence for the AFC Challenge Cup. Bhaichung's commitment for the last 16 years stands out and it is one very important thing that every current footballer should learn and look to do the same," he said.