Veteran India goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya announced his retirement from professional football on Saturday, ending a nearly two-decade career in the I-League, the Indian Super League and the national team.
In an emotional post, the 35-year-old reflected on his journey “from the outskirts of Kolkata to the Maidan”, recalling how it all started with a childhood dream of playing for Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and taking on Bhaichung Bhutia.
«Two decades later, I look back on trophies, battles and scars that tell stories. But most of all, I see memories, lessons, friendships and gratitude that will stay with me forever,» he wrote.
A product of the Tata Football Academy, Arindam started his senior career with Churchill Brothers and won the I-League at the age of just 19.
He has represented Pune City FC, Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City, ATK and ATK Mohun Bagan, winning the ISL title in 2019-2020 and the Golden Glove the following season.
In 2021, he captained East Bengal, fulfilling a lifelong ‘family dream’.
He also played in five matches for India and was part of several national team camps during his peak years.
After impressing in the Subroto Cup, he received a call-up from Stephen Constantine for the India Under-19 team, which played against Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
He later made his India U-23 debut against Afghanistan in the 2009 SAFF Championship in Dhaka.
Published on November 1, 2025
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