Climax Lawrence and Mahesh Gawli retired early, says Baichung

Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia believes that his ex-team mates Climax Lawrence and Mahesh Gawli announced their retirement from international football early and could have carried on for a few more years.

Bhutia, who was present at the unveiling of the Euro 2012 trophy here Saturday, said the Dempo stars should have continued representing the national team.

Bhutia, however, felt that both the players could still stage a comeback to international football with good performances in the I-League.

“I feel personally Climax and Mahesh should have played for a few more years because they have age on their side. They are not 34-35 like me. I feel their decision came too early,” said Bhutia.

“I think they can always do well in the I-league and make a comeback to international football,” he said.

Asked about India’s 1-5 thrashing against Oman in an international friendly, Bhutia said: “Sometimes you cannot judge performance through a friendly match. You give opportunities to youngsters and you try out a lot of new things. You don’t really take the outcome seriously, this shouldn’t affect the team.”

Bhutia said the loss should not rattle India and they should focus on next month’s AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu. India had won the tournament under Bhutia’s leadership in 2008.

“They should be more focussed on the main event which is in Kathmandu (AFC Challenge). We are in a tough group, North Korea is there, it is going to be difficult but it is not impossible,” he said.