Barcelona to play Pep's farewell game in Kolkata?

Barcelona may play Pep Guardiola's farewell game in Kolkata  

Barcelona fans in India, who are still mourning their favourite club's exit from the Champions League, have reasons to get excited. Talks are on at the highest level to hold a farewell exhibition match for Barca coach Pep Guardiola against Italian giants Inter Milan in Kolkata. 

Organizers are looking to host the match at the Salt Lake stadium on May 19, the same night Chelsea clash with Bayern Munich in the Champions League final in Munich. "We have already got the go-ahead from both the clubs. Several top players, including Lionel Messi, are more or less confirmed though players on national duty for Euro 2012 may not make it. If everything goes according to plan it will be a treat for football fans," Prashant Agarwal, CEO of Kshatriya Sports Management told Us.

Prashant's company, a part of UK-based firm Indian Football Evolution, was already in talks with several clubs to come to India during the pre-season when top clubs visit new frontiers to expand their support base around the globe. The Nerazzurri (Inter) are already scheduled to play in Indonesia in the last week of May. 


The main challenge for the organizers is to arrange the high-profile match at such short notice. "It will be a herculean task to host the match in just two weeks but we are confident. We are already in talks with various stakeholders and potential investors. The state government is also in the loop and a clear picture will emerge in the next two-three days," Agarwal said. 

"As of now I can confirm that the dream match is very much on the cards. What remains to be finalized is the clearance from the sponsors. We are planning to have the match in the evening so that fans can also enjoy the Champions League final later in the night," he added. 

Agrawal said if the match in Kolkata doesn't work out, the alternate plan is to have it in Spain. "Discussions are also on to find out the possibility of an El Classico but Barca have given first preference to India," he said. 

For Kolkatans it will be their second date with Messi after the Argentine superstar enthralled the capacity crowd, helping his country to a 1-0 win against Venezuela in an international friendly on September 3.

Posted in: INDIAN FOOTBALL, SOCCER