After a brilliant 16-year career, Subrata Paul, one of Indian football’s greatest players, has announced his retirement. The Arjuna Award recipient, known as the “Spiderman of India,” represented his nation in 67 games and was dubbed the best goalie in the nation.
I am experiencing a range of feelings. Paul told the-aiff.com, “I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot on this road, but I’m also a little sad to be leaving the beautiful game behind. “But above all, I’m incredibly grateful for the amazing opportunities and experiences that playing football has given me.”
Under former India coach Stephen Constantine, Subrata rose to prominence as the starting custodian and was recognized for his heroics in the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar twelve years prior.
Despite India’s lackluster performance in the group stage against South Korea, Australia, and Bahrain, Subrata was commended for his skills. He had to make 16 saves in the match against Korea, which also featured Son Heung-min, the captain of the national team and a striker for Spurs.
Throughout his career, Subrata played for teams including Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Pune FC, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United, Jamshedpur FC, and Hyderabad FC. His career lasted over two decades.
He joined former Danish first-division club FC Vestsjaelland in 2014, becoming the first Indian goalie to sign for a European team, although he was unable to make an impact on the starting lineup.
Subrata was a member of the Indian side that won the Tri-Nations Cup in 2017, the SAFF Suzuki Cup in 2016, the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008, and the Nehru Cup three times (in 2007, 2009, and 2012).
“When I reflect on my career, I am proud of it. It has been an immense honor to represent India at several competitions, such as the AFC Asian Cup. The trip has been an emotional rollercoaster, with highs and lows from wins and losses, but every experience has advanced both my development as a player and as a person, he told AIFF.
“My life’s defining force has been football.” It has molded me into the person I am today, given me discipline, imparted important teamwork principles, and granted me the great honour of representing my nation internationally. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without football,” he continued.
The baton was passed along to Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, the 2016 Arjuna Award recipient, who is currently the custodian for India.
Having Gurpreet and other young players as mentors has been incredibly fulfilling. I make an effort to impart my wisdom and expertise to others, guiding them through opportunities and obstacles. I feel proud of them when I see how far they have come, knowing that I played a part in their journey,” Paul remarked.