Though Kahn’s arrival in the city was speculated for the past one week, it was today confirmed by the German club’s director of international affairs, Martin Haegle.
The exhibition match at Kolkata is part of Bayern Munich’s three-match Asian tour, which include the football matches in Jakarta and Guangzhou.
The reason why the German club chose to cross swords with Mohun Bagan is because the Indian club is the second oldest football club in Asia.
International football stars, including Brazilians Lucio and Ze Roberto, Germany striker Miroslav Klose and French forward Frank Ribery are expected to be part of the Bayern contingent. Thirty-nine-year-old Kahn was at his best during the 2002 Football World Cup in Japan and Korea, where he was chosen as player of the tournament. Germany finished runners-up in that World Cup, losing to Brazil.
The announcement of Kahn’s arrival in May brings back memories of other legendary footballers from world football who have graced the city from time to time.