'I have read the magazine from my childhood'

Bhaichung Bhutia celebrates after scoring his second goal against Tajikistan in the AFC Challenge Cup final at Ambedkar stadium in New Delhi.

I was always committed to football which I played with utmost passion. I had grown up idolising the skills of the legendary Diego Maradona and that helped me gain the first break with one of the giants of Indian football, East Bengal, almost immediately after finishing school. In the next couple of decades I gave my best to the game as I captained the country and then signed a contract with English club Bury FC. Even after announcing my retirement from international football, I continue to keep myself engaged with the sport and I’m trying to help it grow by supporting it in different capacities.

I have read Sportstar from my childhood. I was delighted to read the magazine and cut the pictures of my favourite footballers and pasted them on the walls of my hostel room. My congratulations to Sportstar for completing 40 years. I wish it continues to give its readers excellent coverage of sports for many more years to come.

(As told to Amitabha Das Sharma)