Football legends, led by Chuni Goswami and P K Banerjee, paid rich tribute to just-retired former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, hailing him as one of the best players the country produced.

Nayeemuddin, Shabbir Ali berate Bhutia Bhutia announced his international retirement in Delhi on Wednesday after failing to recover from a recurrent calf muscle injury, drawing curtains on an illustrious 16-year career. Hailing the ace striker as the last player from India who could come close to top Asian standards, Banerjee termed the retirement of the Sikkimese as the end of an era.