Former India footballer and Mohun Bagan captain Bhabani Roy passed away following a prolonged illness at a city nursing home on Monday. He was 76.

Roy joined Bagan in 1966 and played for the club till 1972, the year he was also the captain.

Roy made his international debut in the Merdeka Cup in 1969.

A side-back known for his overlapping skills, Roy flourished in 1969 under Amal Dutta’s coaching. Bagan that year won the Calcutta Football League and the IFA Shield.

Roy also guided his club to Rovers Cup triumphs in 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972 (joint-winners).

In his condolence message, All India Football Federation president Praful Patel said: “It is saddening to hear that Bhabani Roy is no more. His contribution to the sport in India can never be forgotten.”

AIFF general secretary Kushal Das also paid tribute to Roy. Mohun Bagan also condoled their former captain’s demise.