IndiaPost.com - Oliver Kahn takes the final bow

KOLKATA: Legendary German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn took his final bow from competitive soccer before a capacity 1.20 lakh crowd at Yuva Bharati Krirangan as Bayern Munich blanked Mohun Bagan 3-0 in a friendly in Kolkata on May 27.

Kahn, who turns 40 this month, handed over the gloves to youngster Michael Rensing in the 55th minute of the match and took a seat in the reserve bench as the entire stadium stood up to give a sentimental farewell to one of the best goalkeepers of contemporary soccer, thousands of miles away from his home. "It is a very special moment for me.

Thank you for the great night," the golden ball winner of the 2002 World Cup said during the half time break as he was showered with gifts by match organizer Bengal Peerless, Mohun Bagan and the Indian Football Association.

The legend was greeted with a standing ovation by the capacity 1.20-lakh crowd at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata. Kahn clapped back at the crowd in appreciation as he slowly walked out of the playing arena. During the lemon-break, Kahn was presented with a diamond-studded gold-plated replica of a football by the main sponsor Bengal Peerless.

The ball was studded with 8,640 diamonds and was placed on a silver pedestal. Mohun Bagan team also presented Kahn with the replica of a silver boat - the club symbol. Overwhelmed at the felicitations, a visibly moved Kahn thanked the crowd and the organizers.