CALCUTTA, India (AP) - Germany's famed goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is excited to be playing in India during his farewell season as Bayern Munich makes a push into the huge emerging market.
"I don't know anything about Indian football, but have heard a lot about the country," Kahn said ahead of Tuesday's friendly between Bayern Munich and Indian club Mohun Bagan in Calcutta.
"It's wonderful to be here and experience the passion for football in India," he said.
The 38-year-old Kahn, a three-time world goalkeeper of the year, is retiring after claiming a record eight Bundesliga titles and featuring in a league record 557 matches.
Kahn's career started at SC Karlsruhe where he played his first Bundesliga match in 1987. He went on to become a regular in a few seasons before moving in 1994 to Bayern Munich, which in 2001 won the Champion League after Kahn saved three penalties against Valencia.
"I've had many great moments, winning the Champions League final against Valencia and then the Bundesliga in 2001 were very special," said Kahn.
He also won 15 other titles for Bayern Munich.
As captain of Germany, Kahn was adjudged the best player of the 2002 World Cup when he led the team to the final - the feature of his 86 appearances for the national team.
Having played professional soccer for two decades, Kahn's retirement will see him switch to the television commentary box.
"I was in the field for 20 years. I now want to leave the field, but there are several things for me to do," he said.
Tuesday's match will also mark the German club's last game under celebrated coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, before he takes over the Swiss national team.
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