Kolkata, (UNI) Legendary footballer and heartthrob of the Mecca of Indian football – Kolkata- Mohammed Habib, who played all three big clubs in the 60s to early 80s, died at his Hyderabad home on Tuesday, the day when the Indians are celebrating the 77th Independence Day.
A report coming from Hyderabad, where he was born in 1949, bearded his last around 1600 hours.
He is survived by his wife and three daughters.
Habib, who was fondly called “Bare Miyan” by some legendary coaches for his commitment on the pitch was suffering from parkinson disease and other ailments due to injuries of his playing years.
He was also suffering from dementia.
He represented India in many international tournaments from 1965-76.
Habib was considered by many experts as one of the best players the country has ever produced and arguably the first professional footballer of India.
He was one of the pivotal frontline players of the Team India that won the Pesta Sukan Cup in 1971 and finished 3rd in the Merdeka Cup and the Asiad the year before.
He was also a bronze medallist in the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok led by his fellow Hyderabadi Syed Nayeemuddin and managed by the great P.K. Banerjee.
His football career graph was envious of his generation of players as well as the present footballers.
In Kolkata he first joined East Bengal1966–1968, 1968–1969 Mohun Bagan, 1970–1974East Bengal,1975 Mohammedan S.C. 1976–78Mohun Bagan, 1979 Mohammedan S.C, 1980–81East Bengal and 1982–84 Mohun Bagan.
