“I am not extra proud since I got the award while I am still playing but still this is a real special honour for me,” he told The Indian Express.

He was not interested in talking about other sports being given priority over football nor was he keen to speak about the ways to improve in the game in the country. All he says when asked about the game in general is, “I am proud that I am a footballer”.

The golden boy from the hills of Namchi in Sikkim is the fifth footballer after Gosto Pal (1962), Sailen Manna (1971), Chuni Goswami (1983) and PK Banerjee (1990) to have won the prestigious Padma award. He seemed pleased to be in Indian football’s Hall of Fame but he insisted that he didn’t play the game just to get awards.

“I did not expect any award. I knew about the nomination a few months ago but I don’t play for awards,” he said.

Looking back at his illustrious career, Bhutia rates last year’s Nehru Cup victory as his most cherished moment. But the star striker is quick to add that the tournament was memorable but it failed to turn around things for football in India.

Effusing humility, the India international said his success was also due to his team-mates and coach from Sikkim in 1992. “I share this award with them and everyone who influenced my game,” he said.