Barreto announces retirement from Mohun Bagan

"It's time for me to leave the club. You never plan this day but it has to happen some day. It was a real pleasure for me in donning the green and maroon jersey with pride for so many years," an emotional Barreto said at the club tent.

"I am guided by my emotions, maybe some are correct and some are wrong. But that's the way of life. I have no regrets as I have always given 100 per cent to my favourite team. You cannot correct the mistakes now, it's past," he said referring to his current spate of injuries that led to the decision.

"I think, I have it in me to continue playing for some more time, but have not decided on the club I will play for. And, of course I will continue to stay in Calcutta which has taught me a lot," said the Brazilian, who is reportedly in talks with Bhowanipore Club for a coach-cum-player position.

Barreto, who has more than 200 goals since he first played for the club in 1999, would be seen in his swansong match in the green-and-maroon brigade's concluding I-League Five fixture against Pune FC at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on May 6.

On the day, Barreto and his family would be driven around the stadium in an open jeep and felicitated by West Bengal Sports minister Madan Mitra. PTI TAP PC SHN SHN