Mehtab Hossain announces his retirement after a illustrious career

The defensive midfielder has registered two goals for the Blue Tigers.

India international and Mohun Bagan midfielder, Mehtab Hossain decides to hang his boots after an illustrious career. He posted a very emotional video in social media revealing his decision to the fans. 

It was a pre-meditated decision from the 33-year old as he already declared this to be the last year of his professional football. Mehtab's journey just like any other footballer was topsy turvy filled with highs and lows. The defensive midfielder started with local clubs like ONGC, Tollygunge Agragami and gradually made his name from there. He had a short stint with Mohun Bagan in between but could not make the difference for the Mariners.

The Mohun Bagan player made the announcement via his social media handle

His career kickstarted when he joined their arch-rivals East Bengal back in 2007 and from there was no looking back. Mehtab with his time for the Red and Gold Brigade became a household name in Indian football. He broke all the barriers and reached new heights in his career. he was part of innumerable derbies mostly in the Red and Gold of East Bengal and showed immense passion and commitment every time he stepped on the field.

The 33-year old led the Red and Gold Brigade to their infamous AFC Cup semi-final against Al Kuwait, they lost to the eventual champions but it was an immense learning curve for the players and for Mehtab himself.

With time there was progress in Indian football and with the advent of the Indian Super League, the defensive midfielder became a mainstay in Steve Coppell's Kerala Blasters. The Englishman was very pleased with his commitment and leadership on the field that the duo had to reunite at Jamshedpur FC as well.

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Mehtab has made 30 appearances for the Indian national team and scored two goals. He had the potential to become a mainstay in the Indian midfield. But his constant injuries hindered his progress and it further affected his performances.

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The defensive midfielder made a come back to boyhood club, Mohun Bagan as the Mariners were crown the Calcutta League champions earlier in the season. The I-League season did not go down as expected as Khalid Jamil's men are currently in the sixth position and are now looking to improve on that in the upcoming Hero Super Cup. However, it is unclear that Mehtab will be available for that tournament or not.

He has been a revelation for Indian Football and stalwart in Bengal as how he defied all odds in his life and went ahead to represent the national team. The journey comes to an end for Mehtab Hossain but he will always be remembered by the Indian football fans.