Bhaichung's last appearance

Former captain Bhaichung Bhutia will don the national colours one last time when the Indian football team takes on German giants Bayern Munich in his farewell exhibition match in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Bhaichung, who retired from international football last year after playing for 16 years since 1995, will captain the national team for the last time, a job he had done for more than 10 years before his retirement.

The Capital's most high-profile football match, to be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, will see a bevy of international stars such as Philipp Lahm, Arjen Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Mueller and Mario Gomez in the Bayern Munich ranks.

The result of the match though is a foregone conclusion with Bayern bringing their first team after their week-long winter training camp in Doha. Bayern have won the Bundesliga 22 times and the UEFA Champions League four times.

Bhaichung admitted that there was no question of comparing the national team with Bayern Munich but said the match would be an opportunity for the Indian players to find out how much they need to improve.

"You cannot compare the Indian team with Bayern Munich which is as good as the German national side. But it's an opportunity for the players to know how much they need to work on to take themselves to level of top international stars," he said.

"For me, it is just enjoying my last match and enjoying the moment. I feel honoured to play my farewell match against a top side like Bayern Munich," added Bhaichung.