Veteran Indian goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya has announced his retirement from professional football, closing the curtain on a career that spanned nearly 20 years across the I-League, Indian Super League (ISL)
and the national team.
In an emotional statement posted on Saturday, the 35-year-old reflected on his rise “from the suburbs of Kolkata to the Maidan,” saying his journey began with a boyhood dream — to play for Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and face Bhaichung Bhutia.
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“Two decades later, I look back at trophies, battles and scars that tell stories. But more than anything, I see memories, lessons, friendships and gratitude that will stay with me forever,” Arindam wrote.
Thanking his coaches, teammates, fans, and family, the shot-stopper said his body was telling him it was time to stop, “but my heart will always live inside those goalposts.”
He paid an emotional tribute to his late parents, “If they were here right now, I’d like to think they’d be proud of the man I am today,” and thanked his wife Blossom, calling her love and belief his “greatest strength.”
“I walked into the Kolkata Maidan as a 14-year-old with nothing but a dream and a smile. Today, I walk away with the same smile and a heart full of gratitude, scars and stories that will stay for life,” he signed off.
Arindam’s Career Arc
A product of the Tata Football Academy, Arindam burst onto the scene with Churchill Brothers, winning the I-League at just 19. He went on to play for Pune City FC, Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City, ATK, and ATK Mohun Bagan, clinching the ISL title (2019–20) and the Golden Glove the following season.
In 2021, he captained East Bengal, fulfilling what he called a “family dream.” He also represented India five times and featured at both U-19 and U-23 levels.
(with PTI inputs)
