Kolkata: Baichung Bhutia might have had many highs during his illustrious career, but he confessed on Friday that his ultimate dream would come true on January 23 when he gets a chance to play with Pele.
Pele, the legendary Brazilian, would return to the home of Indian football for an exhibition match with a galaxy of international stars.
The match in India will happen 13 days after Bhutia officially retires from international football by leading the country in an exhibition match against Bayern Munich in New Delhi and the Sikkimese star said he was really fortunate.
"When I grew up playing football in my village, I knew only of Pele. So, obviously it will be a lifetime achievement to play with him. I am really looking forward to shake hands with him," Bhutia told reporters, announcing the exhbition friendly.
The coming trip would be 71-year-old Pele's second visit to the football-crazy city. He will be here as an ambassador of the Superstars XI led by compatriot and two-time World Cup winner Cafu.
The Superstars XI will take on Indian Dream XI in the exhibition tie.
"It would be really a competitive match. It's a dream Indian team and I am really looking forward to playing with the likes of I M Vijayan, Jo Paul Ancheri. Hopefully, we will get a fit Sunil Chhetri. And we will play to win so that we can proudly say that we have beaten the world's 'best team'," Bhutia said.
Bhutia also revealed plans to rope in former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly for the match if he is available and also add a bit of glamour quotient with the inclusion of a couple of Bollywood and Tollywood celebrities.
"We know his (Ganguly's) love for football. It would be really nice to have him alongside Mahendra Singh Dhoni if they are available. There will also be a few Bollywood stars whose names would be revealed later. But the main aim is to make a competitive team as we want to win."
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