New Delhi: Excited at the prospect of rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest international football stars, India's national team players are looking forward to the farewell match of former Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia against a star-studded FC Bayern Munich on January 10.
The famed German side is fielding their first team, with the likes of Philip Lahm, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller in action at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium against an India XI to be led by Bhaichung.
The proceeds of the exhibition match, named 'Audi Football Summit', will go to support the earthquake-affected people in Sikkim, Bhaichung's home state.
Bhaichung, who will don the captain's armband for the one last time, said he is honoured to play his farewell match against a top European club like Bayern Munich.
"My career has been a great learning for me, a wonderful experience. My 16 years of international football career has made me richer in experience and I have grown as a person. Playing my final India match against Bayern Munchen is a great honour, but also a tough finale for me. Bayern are one of the best teams in the world and I rate them as better than Germany," said Bhaichung.
"Indian football is moving in a positive direction, with the Indian team qualifying for Asian Cup after a gap of 27 years. In addition to this, the junior teams and developmental team are making good progress on the Asian front. I believe that it will not be long before we see Indian players plying their trade on the international club circuit," added Bhaichung.
Indian team coach Savio Medeira said his boys will learn a lot playing against Bayern Munich.
"It's not every day that you get a chance to play against the best in the world. It will be a learning experience for us," he said.
Player of the tournament in the recently-concluded SAFF Championships and Indian Footballer of the Year Sunil Chhetri said, "With the phase which Indian football is going through, the more we play stronger opponents, the better for us. You get to play Bayern Munchen possibly once in a lifetime. We ought to make the most of it."
Another rising star in Indian football team, striker Jeje Lalpekhlua said, "The opportunity to play with one of the top clubs will be an experience indeed. It gives us the opportunity to improve ourselves."
Excited to play the exhibition match, defender Gouramangi Singh said, "It will be a great opportunity to be playing on the same field, that too against such star players. It's also an honour to be a part of Bhaichung Bhutia's farewell match. I'm looking forward to it."
Midfielder Jewel Raja said, "The match gives us an opportunity to learn from international stars. You don't let go of such an opportunity, for sure."
Commenting on the exhibition match, billed as National Capital's first date with top international footballers, Head Audi India Michael Perschke said, "We are a company with a worldwide focus on football and are associated with some of the leading clubs in Europe. We also own an approximate 10 percent stake in Bayern Munchen. Audi also has been committed to promoting football in India."
"We believe Indian football has huge potential and this match will uphold the spirit of football through a keen display of skill, enthusiasm and will ensure that football is popularised in India. We, at Audi, are justifiably proud of the fact that this event epitomises our commitment in promoting football in the country," he said.
Bayern Munich, coached by former German World Cupper Jupp Heynckes, will arrive in India from Qatar, where they will train from January 2.
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