One last time for Bhaichung Bhutia!

One last time for Bhaichung Bhutia!

Bhaichung Bhutia is returning to where it all started two decades ago, he's returning to play for the team where he earned his name. Come next year Bhutia will wear a East Bengal shirt in I league.

"I've earlier promised that I want to retire in an East Bengal jersey but it could not happen as I suffered an injury. But this season, I want to retire signing with East Bengal.

"Still I'm not fully fit. I want to train and be fit and play. Even if, I'm playing my last competitive game, I want to play as a fit player," the former India captain, who was recently inducted into AFC's 'Hall of Fame' told reporters.

"Knee is still not in best shape after the surgery. I want to fight and play maybe the entire second leg of the league but if it does not happen then at least for the last match.

"I'm not saying he (Colaco) has to include me. I should not be playing matches when I'm not fit. That will be unfair. If I'm fit, then you never know."

Bhutia said he had offers in ISL but to honour his commitment, he's coming back to the red and gold camp.

"Please don't think that it's a comeback. I could have done ISL but I had given a commitment to East Bengal that's why I'm signing. I want to fulfil my commitment. I want to give my best. I'm just coming back here to retire."

"I want to give my best. I'm just coming back here to retire. I will sign after second window starts. I will start training by mid February."

Delighted on getting the AFC Hall of Fame, Bhutia said it was a great moment for the Indian football.

"To be among the likes of the greats was something special. On the whole, I think it was a big honour for the Indian football. My dream was to get the AFC Footballer of the Year Award but since it did not happen then may be it was great to have received after retirement."