ISL 2017/18: Star defender John Johnson bids emotional goodbye to Bengaluru FC

What’s the story?

After five long years, Super Cup 2018 champions Bengaluru FC bid an emotional goodbye to their vice-captain John Johnson. The club from Karnataka has taken to their social media to convey the news to the fans and share an emotional moment.

In case you didn’t know…

Before signing with Bengaluru FC, Johnson played in England with the likes of Middlesbrough and Northampton Town. In 2013, the Englishman landed in India to sign with I-League debutants Bengaluru FC. At that time, BFC were managed by his former Northampton Town colleague Ashley Westwood.

The heart of the matter

If reports are to be believed, the centre-back has been in talks with ATK, and is likely to sign with the Kolkata-based franchise for the upcoming ISL season. Johnson’s farewell has not only taken an emotional toll on his fans, but also those at his present club.

Once you've reached the end of that tissue box, take a moment and tell us your favourite @John6Johnson memory. #ThankYouJohno pic.twitter.com/Hmq4yPHSbo
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) April 23, 2018

John himself has been highly sentimental about his exit from Bengaluru FC and posted an emotional goodbye via his Instagram page.

I wish this was as easy as jumping up to head one out. But it isn’t and that’s why I’ll keep it short to save me the trouble. After five incredible years at an incredible club, my time has come to move on. It’s not just been five years of great football, memories and trophies. It’s been five years of my life that I have to be grateful about. I’ve had the good fortune of sharing this journey with so many top professionals and more importantly, fantastic human beings. The fans of Bengaluru FC have been unbelievable in giving me the kind of love they have, and that I will always keep with me. I wish everyone involved with the club the best for the future. Thank you for having me. I’m glad I could have you too.

A post shared by John James Johnson (@johnjjohnson6) on Apr 22, 2018 at 9:38am PDT

What’s next?

Post the emotional send-off to their vice-captain, Bengaluru FC are all set to face Maldivian side, New Radiant SC, as a part of their AFC Cup group stage fixture on Wednesday, April 25. The Eagles will be going into the fixture as fan-favourites after winning their fifth trophy over the course of the last five years, that came in the form of the first ever edition of the Indian Super Cup.

Author’s take

Bidding farewell to a club legend is never easy for the fans, and watching him don the colours of a rival club next season is something that is going to be even more difficult for them.