KOLKATA: Rana Gharami delivered a heartfelt message to Mohammedan Sporting Club officials, players and supporters on Thursday, after playing his last match for the Club against Rainbow Athletic Club in Calcutta Football League.

“It has been a great privilege and honour representing Mohammedan Sporting Club,” said the 26-year-old.

After spending three and half years and leading the team for past two season, the defender sound quite emotional while speaking to mohammedansportingindia.com about his departure.

“Thanks to the Club officials, the coaches I have played under, the staff I have worked with, the team mates I have played alongside, and finally the fans that I have been lucky enough to have played for,” he added.

The former skipper has rejoined Mohun Bagan where he made his professional debut five years ago, prior to being signed by Mohammedan Sporting Club, where he developed as a player and made name for himself.

Senior Club official Mr. Belal Ahmed Khan, who was instrumental in signing Rana in 2014, also sounded outright emotional and said: “Rana has been a great servant to Mohammedan Sporting Club since the day he signed for us as a talented youngster. I am extremely grateful for the way he has led the team since being appointed Club captain two years ago. On behalf of the Club, I wish Rana all the very best for the next chapter of his career.”

Having joined Mohammedan Sporting Club, Rana became an integral part of the side making key tackles, interceptions and clearances relentlessly and was the most trusted defender for every coach, who coached the Black Panthers during his stay.

Rana was made the Club captain in 2016 and under his leadership the Black Panthers became runners-up of Calcutta Football League after 8 years before lifting the title in Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup after 36 years.