Baichung Bhutia (34) announced his retirement from international football, at Delhi, on Wednesday conducting a press conference. He added that he would continue to play for his club (Sikkim United) and share his experience with youngsters.

He said “Personally, it was a great honour for me to have represented India.” The present set of youngsters are very promising and mature, was his comment. He said he was confident leaving the game in good hands, and that he had no regrets over anything to do with the game

It was indeed a graceful exit to the young man who had scored 42 goals in 107 international appearances over a span of 16 years. He made his debut in 1995 and his final appearance came in January this year in the Asian Cup contest against South Korea at Doha.

The angle to strike, receiving and flashy dispatches made him an icon in football. His rise from a village in Sikkim to the Indian team is scripted with lots of ups and down. The journey must be a lesson to the younger lot. All through this saga, he was spotless and adored by his team mates. The decision to retire was prompted by constant injuries in the past year. Though he was picked for the upcoming tour of England, a calf-muscle injury has grounded him.

Bhutia was awarded the Padma Shri in 2008 and the Arjuna Award in 1998. He was the AIFF player of the year twice, in 1995 and 2008. He also won the Golden Boot in the National League (1996-97), Federation Cup (1995, 1996, and 2006), LG ASEAN Cup (2003) and the Calcutta League (1994).

For the Indian football scenario it is a worthy moment, a befitting glory to a graceful exit.