Former Indian footballer Sathyan commits suicide

Chennai, July 18 (UNI)Former India footballer V P Sathyan committed suicide by jumping in front of a train here this morning.

He was 41. He is survived by his wife and a 10-year-old daughter.

Police recovered a suicide note written in English from his pocket, in which, addressing his wife, he said he was vexed in life as he had lost his wealth and was habituated to drinking and gambling.

He also said he had lot of respect and admiration in the society so long as he was a football player for India. But at present, he had lost everything due to these bad habits. ''I don't want to live in this world any more,'' Sathyan said in the note.

He also said, ''I wanted to see you for the last time. But if I had done so, I would have changed my decision to end my life. So forgive me. I am leaving this world. The decision is entirely mine.'' Sathyan, who originally hails from Kerala and employed as Superintendent of Police before resigning, threw himself under the Madras Beach to Tambaram suburban train at the suburban Pallavaram railway station.

Sathyan, a talented deep defender, was also captain of the Indian team some years ago.

The train suffered a detention of 15 minutes, following the mishap.

Police removed the Sathyan's body to Government hospital in the nearby suburb Chrompet for post-mortem.

Sathyan was employed with Indian Bank here as Assistant Manager.

He was also serving as the coach of the Bank's football team.

When contacted, All India Football Federation (AIFF) Secretary Alberto Colaco said ''We are shocked to hear about the extreme step taken by Sathyan.'' He served as assistant coach for the Indian team, he added.

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