It's official, Baichung is Bagan's

Kolkata, Jun 15 (UNI) India's mega-buck soccer star Baichung Bhutia today signed for the Mohun Bagan for the coming season.

'' I take this as a new challenge, '' Baichung said soon after signing on the dotted lines amid celebrations and fanfare.

Mohun Bagan has taken club soccer by storm roping in India's most deadly and vaunted attacking duo - Jose Ramirez Barreto and Baichung Bhutia - to crown an already formidable line-up. Baichung would play under the captaincy of Barreto.

'' I will try to live up to the expectations of the Mohun Bagan supporters and bring success to the team this time, '' said Baichung, who had failed to deliver last time he played for Bagan due to an abdominal ailment.

Mohun Bagan, which had been hit by factional politics for the past couple of years, received a shot in the arm with the signing of Baichung. The old regime returned and lived up to its promise of delivering a dream outfit in gree-maroon.

Club president Swapan Sadhan Bose had said, '' We had promised a dream team this season and what better strike duo can you expect other than Baichung Bhutia and Jose Barreto. '' UNI BA SJC AY BST1948