Chuni Goswami was die-hard Bagan supporter: Debashish Roy

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: The demise of legendary footballer Chuni Goswami is a great loss to Indian football, feels former International footballer Debashish Roy. He also said: "The loss of such a legend will left a huge void in the Indian sporting fraternity."

Subimal Goswami, better known as Chuni Goswami, breathed his last yesterday in Kolkata after cardiac arrest. He was 82. Chuni, A die-hard supporter of Mohun Bagan Club, played 50 matches for India as a footballer and also represented Bengal in 46 first-class cricket games. He also visited Guwahati as a cricketer and played a Ranji Trophy match against Assam.

Recalling his association with the legendary footballer during his stay in Kolkata Debashish Roy said, "I first met Goswami when I joined Mohun Bagan club during 80's. He was a die-hard fan of the club and I would not be wrong if I say that it was his second home. I saw him at club premises during the morning hours also when we reached there for training. I even heard that he didn't take a single penny from the club during his playing days"

During his stay in Kolkata Roy came in touch to both Chuni Goswami and his contemporary PK Banerjee. Pk, another legend in the game, breathed his last recently. Comparing Chuni with PK Roy said," I didn't see them to play soccer. But during my stay in Kolkata I came in touch with both these legends. Chuni was little introvert and didn't talk to the players unless there is a necessity. However PK was completely opposite and was very players friendly."

Roy, recalling his first meeting with Chuni, said: "I first met him at the Mohun Bagan club. He first tried to know about my back ground and then gave a few tips. I can still remember that conversation: "Team has a lot of expectation from you. So try to play well and give the club as much trophies as possible. Best wishes to you," Chuni said to me.

Roy also added: "We didn't get too much opportunity to speak with him. But he tried to spend a little time with us on the eve of match-day and during that meeting he gave us some valuable tips."

"It is very unfortunate that we lost three legendary footballers of India, including Abdul Latif, in a very short gap. The void will never be fulfilled," Roy signed off with the heavy heart.

Also Read: PK Banerjee was a player- friendly coach: Debashish Roy

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