New Delhi: After Lionel Messi plied his trade at the picturesque Yuba Bharati Kirangan in Kolkata earlier this year, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the Capital will witness the likes of Phillip Lahm and Arjen Robben among others showcase their talents on the football pitch as FC Bayern Munich are all set to take on the Indian national team in former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia’s farewell match on January 10.

The event which is named as the "Audi Football Summit" promises to bring the 'A' team players of Bayern,and German legend Paul Breitner, who was present at the announcement of the match assured that it would be nothing but the best of the German club against the best in India.

“This would be a great match and the funds raised would go to the earthquake victims of Sikkim, so we will bring the top players playing in the club” he said.

Bhutia, who missed the occasion as his flight from Kolkata got delayed, said that not only was he pleased by Bayern’s gesture, but the German club’s repeated initiative to promote the game in the country.

“This is not the first time that they are coming to the country. They have so far played three matches and they are also taking few kids to their academy for training,” he said over the phone.

Breitner further said that the players would be playing the match seriously and winning would be the only motive.

“When one becomes associated with Bayern Munich the only aim is to win. And that will be our focus when we take on India,” he assured.

“I think this match will be the beginning of a new partnership of Indian football and Bayern. We are already holding the final of the Bayern Youth Cup – India chapter, on the same day of the Bayern match at the same venue. The champion team will go to Germany to play the finals of the tournament.”

Meanwhile, the match will also be the German clubs’ first international match in the new year, before they take part in the second leg of the Bundesliga.

Samikshan Dutta Choudhury

Indian Sports News