PK Banerjee will remain synonymous with golden generation of Indian football, says AIFF president Praful Patel

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel said that former India captain PK Banerjee’s name will forever remain synonymous with “golden generation of Indian football.” [caption id=“attachment_4218585” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Praful Patel. AFP[/caption] Banerjee, 83, India’s first footballer to receive Arjuna award as well as Padmashree, breathed his last on Friday after prolonged illness. “It’s sad to hear that Pradip da, one of India’s greatest footballers, is no more. His contribution to Indian football will never be forgotten. I share the grief. He will stay synonymous with the golden generation of Indian Football. Pradip-da, you will remain alive in our hearts,” the AIFF President said in his condolence message. While AIFF gave a lowdown of Banerjee’s footballing achievements, the parent body mentioned that he scored 19 international goals in 36 games but they didn’t add the international friendlies that take his count to 65 off 84 games for the national team. AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said, “Pradip Kumar Banerjee will be alive in his achievements. He was a legendary footballer and someone who has been an inspiration to so many generations. May he rest in peace. “Post his retirement he scouted and coached a whole generation of Indian footballers, both on the international, and domestic level. It’s a huge loss for Indian football,” he said.