Kolkata: Former Indian soccer captain Baichung Bhutia has said he is no longer motivated to play for the country even as he hoped that new coach Bob Houghton will transform the national team into a winning side.
"I have been playing for my country for the past 12 years. Now I no longer feel like playing. I just don't get the motivation," Bhutia said.
When told that there is no replacement for him, he said: "That is not an excuse for continuing to play. I don't feel like playing for the country. I was planning for retirement. But for now it's shelved."
"Besides it's time some youngsters took over and did well for themselves. The Vancouver trip will be a good exposure for them," the Mohun Bagan striker said.
A 20-member Indian team is in Vancouver, Canada, to take part in the four-nation Nations Cup that began Wednesday.
"Now I am looking forward to the challenge of playing for Mohun Bagan. I played there two years back and could not do justice to the club and this time I would like to make amends," he said.
Asked whether there are youngsters who could step into his shoes, Bhutia mentioned Sushil Singh and Lalampuia - both of whom will play with him in Mohun Bagan this season.
He also applauded Indian coach Bob Houghton for his initiative, but sounded a little skeptical about the import of NRI players.
"Stephen (Constantine) tried it before and it did not work. Let's see. He (Houghton) is a world class coach and I hope he will make India a better side," Bhutia said.
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