Firoz Mahmud Titu, a former Bangladesh international and current Muktijoddha Sangsad defender, retired from all forms of football yesterday.
The 38-year-old played for the Reds for about 36 minutes against Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in a Federation Cup encounter at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
When he was walking off the fever-pitch after being substituted, he received an emotional sending off by the players of both teams, who carried him to the touchline as a mark of respect. Besides, players and official of both teams in the dugout also gave him standing ovation.
The right-back, a product of BKSP and a member of the enterprising Fakirerpool Youngmens Club in the 90s, has been an important member of the national team since his debut in 1999.
Also a member of the 2003 SAFF championship team, Titu is revered for his famous goal against Yugoslavia in a Shahara Cup match in India in 2001. He broke an off-side trap down the left and raced to the opponents' box and drove the ball past an advancing giant Yugoslav custodian. He played for all the major clubs in the domestic football and won the League title thrice.