"In football, all the players work together to score goals and win the match. I too want to contribute to Trinamool's efforts to usher in all-round development. The region has remained traditionally neglected," said Bhutia.
Refusing to comment about his rivals in the constituency, Bhutia exuded confidence about his electoral victory and claimed that there was no "Modi wave", despite such assertions by the BJP about its prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi.
When Bhutia hung up his boots two and a half years back, he left behind a trail of outstanding goals - 43 in 109 appearances for the country spread over 16 years. Only time will say whether he will find the target in his new offensive.