It's a great loss: Bhutia

Ace footballer Bhaichung Bhutia on Sunday expressed shock and sorrow over the death of Brazilian striker Cristiano de Lima Junior and said the All India Football Federation should conduct a thorough investigation and take "serious action".

"It's a sad news. He (Junior) was one of my good friends. It's a great loss. He was a nice human being on and off the field. He was one of the best of foreign players I played with", Bhutia told PTI by telephone from Kolkata.

Bhutia and Junior played with East Bengal last season before the latter shifted to Dempo Sports Club.

Junior was married and his wife was in Goa.

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"The Federation should look into the matter ... have a thorough investigation and serious action should be taken. They should look into medical facilities for players", he said.

Bhutia was critical of Mohun Bagan goalie Subrata Paul and described his "action" as unnecessary in Sunday's match.

Even in the past, Paul was found wanted as far as discipline was concerned and he should be properly "guided" by his club, he added.