Kolkata, Jan 9 (PTI) In sheer coincidence, Gautam Sarkar, nicknamed the ‘Indian Beckenbauer’, saw an “inexplicable connection” after he received news of Der Kaiser’s (The Emperor) death while “celebrating” his 74th birthday.

One of the only three men to win the World Cup as player and coach, German football legend Franz Beckenbauer, 78, died in his sleep on Monday.

Former India international Sarkar, who was compared with one of the world’s greatest footballers for their “similar” style of play, by an “eminent” scribe, said he felt “surreal” after learning of Beckenbauer’s death.

“It’s a surreal and poignant moment for me. Beckenbauer, the legend himself, left us on the day I celebrated my 74th birthday. It’s an inexplicable connection,” an emotional Sarkar told

Source: PTI News