German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, fondly referred to as Der Titan in footballing circles for his legendary status under the bar, provided a comprehensive insight into Indian football during an event in the city on Friday. From the establishment of a structured youth set-up to the popularisation of domestic role models, the former Bayern Munich FC stalwart is convinced that certain tangible measures can help elevate the status of Indian football.

Special last game in Kolkata

Interestingly, after traversing the length and breadth of Europe during his 21-year professional career, Kahn had hung his boots at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, in 2008 when the Bavarians played Mohun Bagan in a friendly. “My retirement game in Kolkata, playing your final game in front of 125,000 people cheering your name, was special. The excitement of people for football here is something I’ll never forget. So, there is enormous potential for Indian football to grow,” Kahn, 54, said during a media interaction at the BD Somani International School in Cuffe Parade on Friday.