Former India goalkeeper Subrata Paul calls it quits

Subrata Paul, 36, retires after 16 yrs of illustrious career. Nicknamed "Spiderman" for heroics in 2011 Asian Cup, Paul captained India in 2018 World Cup Qualifiers. Represented Mohun Bagan & East Bengal at club level; 4th Indian to play abroad.

One of the greatest Indian goalkeepers Subrata Paul, 36, on December 9 decided to call it quits, bringing curtains on a glittering career spanning 16 years.

"Thank You Spiderman. Blue Tigers custodian hangs up his gloves today," the All India Football Federation posted on X.

Paul, who made his debut against Lebanon in the World Cup qualifiers in 2007, had 65 appearances for India.

He earned the sobriquet "Spiderman" for his heroics under the bar against heavyweights South Korea in the 2011 Asian Cup in Doha when India had qualified after a gap of 27 years.

Overall, Paul made more than 35 saves in the whole tournament and has become one of the stars of the team since.

South Korea had 20 shots on goal of which Paul saved 16 as India went down 1-4 in a valiant display.

Paul captained the Indian team under coach Stephen Constantine in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers. Under him, India made the second round defeating Nepal on aggregate.