A green and maroon legend - Jose Ramirez Barreto

A 35 year old Brazillian walks into the stadium, everyone in the stadium giving him a standing ovation. Even the opposition fans show respect to him. Though he is not in the Starting XI, the fans still chant his name, eagerly waiting for that moment when he is brought on.

The man in question is Jose Ramirez Barreto. Interestingly, Brazilian Ronaldo and Barreto were born in September, 1976. Both started their careers in Brazilian native clubs, Cruzeiro and Gremio respectively. While one went on to carve out his name in European football and world football, the other went on to make his mark in India. While one achieved greatness winning the World Cup with Brazil, the other remained uncapped.

God in front of the Green and Maroon fans, Barreto was nicknamed as the “Green Parakeet’. The Brazillian striker scored 238 goals in his career in India. Even in this season, despite all the injuries, he has worn the captain’s armband and has also contributed with 5 goals and 2 assists in 14 appearances for the Mariners.

Barreto joined the club back in 1999 and except for two seasons with Penang FA of Malaysia in the 2004-05 season and Mahindra United in 2005-06, the 35 year old has remained loyal to the Bagan shirt.

“I’m a very emotional person. There were a lot of factors which made me take this decision. There is no denying the fact that I have suffered from injuries during the last year and the team has missed my service in important games. So, I thought this would be the right time to leave,” said an emotional Barreto in the press conferebce in the club.

“I’ve decided to leave Mohun Bagan, but I’m not retiring from football. It’s a very emotional occasion for which I was not prepared. But just as every good thing must come to an end, I have also realised that my time at Mohun Bagan has reached that point,” he added.

Recollecting some of his memorable moments with Bagan, Barreto told reporters, “I remember each and every day I spent here. I remember my first match, my first win, my first goal and my first season here.”

After telling his news of leaving the club, Barreto addressed his fans, “I have no regrets. I have always given 100 percent for the club. If mistakes happened, they happened. You cannot change them now. Past is past.”