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Kolkata: Legendary German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is thrilled at the prospect of playing his farewell match in Kolkata and conceded it will be his first before a crowd of 1,25,000.
In a pre-recorded interview about the match shown here on Wednesday by Bayern Munich's Head of International Affairs Martin Haegele, Kahn wearing the club jersey was seen telling: "I have been to many places such as Japan and Korea, but I'm excited at the prospect of getting to know India as I've heard they are really passionate about football."
Asked if he had played before a crowd of 1,25,000, he said, "I will have to think about that. I have played before 100,000 people, but 1,25,000 will be a first time. It is a great feeling."
Did he ever imagine getting his farewell match in India?
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"Definitely not. I was already mentally prepared for Berlin as my last match."
"Then there is my farewell match in September. Obviously, I'm intrigued at playing at such a fabulous setting in front of such a large crowd," Kahn added.
The DFB has announced that along with Bayern Munich they will jointly host the testimonial for 'keeper Kahn at the Allianz Arena on September 2.
Asked if he would seek out the best keeper in India, Kahn said: "Why not. India has a huge population like China, but it is yet to be explored."
Kahn is retiring at the end of the season after 14 years at Bayern, during which he also won 86 caps for the German national team.
Speaking about the Asia tour in general, Kahn said we will be missing a few players, but we will certainly be putting up a very good team."
While players like Philip Lahm, Marcell Jansen, Mark Van Bommel, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Luca Toni, Miroslav Klose and Lucas Podolski won't travel with the side as they would be busy with the Euro 2008, other stars like Lucio, Ze Roberto and Kahn would be seen in action here.
"We will be there in Asia to enjoy ourselves. So I think it will be a great farewell tour," Kahn said.
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