Barreto’s Bagan era ends in style

On Saturday, Pep Guardiola was in charge of Barcelona for the last time at Camp Nou. A day later, Mohun Bagan bid farewell to one of their greatest players — Jose Barreto. Amoy Ghoshal reports.

On Saturday, Pep Guardiola was in charge of Barcelona for the last time at Camp Nou. A day later, Mohun Bagan bid farewell to one of their greatest players — Jose Barreto.

The enormous turnout (close to 35,000) that an inconsequential I-League match against Pune FC saw on Sunday, only underlined the stature and admiration the Brazilian evoked in his fans and is unlikely to be witnessed again in Indian football soon.

The Yuba Bharati Krirangan had witnessed the farewell of Oliver Khan four years ago and at the same venue the Barreto era at Bagan that spread over 11 years in two stints, ended.

Barreto had a busy day with felicitations, but his best moment came in the 6th minute of the match when he scored with an exquisite left-footer after being played through by compatriot Hudson Lima.

Even Pune FC coach and former India international Derrick Pereira stated that the Brazilian was the best foreigner in Indian football he had ever seen. An emotional Barreto said after the game, “This has been a very special day. From tomorrow it will be a new beginning.”