Flashback Friday: When Chuni Goswami turned down offer to join Tottenham Hotspur

Former Indian football star and a former first-class cricketer for Bengal Subimal Goswami, popularly referred to as Chuni Goswami passed away at the age of 82 on Thursday, April 30.

Playing as a forward, Goswami's greatest achievement was leading the Indian team to win the Asian Games Gold Medal in 1962. Ater India won the gold under his captaincy in Jakarta, Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur got in touch with him through an acquaintance inviting him for a trial in England.

Goswami rejected the chance to play for the English club as there was a lot ‘uncertainty’ in taking part in overseas.

The former administrator of the Mohun Bagan membership Dhiren-da requested Goswami “What will you do there, staying on their lonesome?” after which the striker determined not to go for the trials in England.

The Bengal membership captain additionally revealed that he by no means accepted any funds from Mohun Bagan as he performed for the membership out of pure emotion and satisfaction.

“We got a banana and a piece of toast after practice at Mohun Bagan, that was enough for us,” he stated.

However, Goswami had no regrets along with his choice to stay in India and he believed if Indian footballers proceed to play nicely, they are going to get many alternatives to play overseas and that will likely be a trendsetter as Indian gamers come cheaper than the western gamers.

Also read: Remembering Chuni Goswami: The rare gem and first superstar of Indian football

Also read: Tributes pour in for Iconic footballer Chuni Goswami