Indian football's 'Prince Charming' breathes his last at 83, tributes pour in

Kolkata: Football legend Pradip Kumar Banerjee, popularly known as P K Banerjee, died in a private hospital in south Kolkata at 2.08 pm on Friday at the age of 83 years, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired millions of kids in the country to take up the beautiful game. He is survived by his two daughters. His wife Arati passed away a few years ago.

The 1962 Asian Games gold medallist, whose best days as a striker coincided with Indian football's golden era, was suffering from respiratory problems due to pneumonia.

He had had a massive heart attack a few years ago and was suffering from age-related ailments since then. He was admitted to the hospital on March 2 and was on life support for the past week.

Condoling his death, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said: " PK Banerjee's death is an irreparable loss and will create a void in the world of sports in India. The state government had conferred Bangabibhusan in 2013 to this Arjuna and Padmashree awardee. My deepest condolences to his family members, friends and admirers."

In his condolence message, Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar wrote: "Deeply condole demise of legendary footballer and Olympian PK Banerjee. I had visited 83-year-old Asian Games gold medalist at the hospital a few days back. Pray to almighty to bestow eternal peace on departed soul and courage to his family, friends and numbers fans to bear this loss."

Praful Patel tweeted: "A legend and one of our greatest football player has left us today. Rest in Peace PK Banerjee, Indian football will miss you."

Banerjee had played in three Asian Games and captained the Indian squad in Rome Olympics in 1960. As a right out or right-winger, he took part in 84 international matches scoring 65 goals.

His football career spanned over two decades. He played for Bihar in Santosh Trophy at the age of 15. Though he coached two Kolkata football giants Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, he never played for these two clubs. He played for Eastern Railway and was one of the squad members when it became the champion of the Kolkata Football League in 1958.

PK's coaching USP was his "vocal tonic". Those who played under him fell for his man-management skills.

Prasun Banerjee, his younger brother who had also captained the Indian team and Trinamool Congress MP broke down when the news was announced. "He was my friend, philosopher and guide and was the guardian of our family. He was a great footballer and an even greater human being."

Subrata Bhattacharya said: "His coaching method was unique. We knew what Pradipda wanted from us and tried to fulfil his dreams."

Samaresh Chowdhury added: "During coaching, he showed us how to play total football. He had sound knowledge of the game."

Football fans here used to take the names of the 'holy trinity' at one breath — PK, Chuni Goswami and Tulsidas Balaram.

Balaram said: "His football sense was sharp and had a brilliant shooting power. He was a brilliant dribbler and could confuse the opposition's defendants."

His mortal remains were kept at his GD Block residence in Salt Lake and cremated at Nimtala Ghat later in the evening. With his demise, Kolkata Maidan bid adieu to one of its iconic sons.