It’s finally final, Barreto to leave

Evidently upset that his five-year association with Bagan has ended under such acrimonious circumstances, Barreto says, ‘‘The issue has reached its limit and hence there is no question of backtracking.’’ Checked about Bagan officials possibly taking him to court, he adds, ‘‘No one can force me to play.’’

Barreto, who was served a show cause notice by the club today, has been asked to clarify his absence from Bagan’s practice sessions. The Brazilian clears his stance saying that if his club can break a contract mid-way into a season, ‘‘why can’t a player do the same’’.

It may be recalled that Bagan have time and again terminated contracts of their foreign recruits, an issue which famously earned them a FIFA reprimand last season. Barreto also plans to knock on the FIFA door, something that could well land Bagan a sanction of sorts. ‘‘If they (Bagan) have their reasons for doing what they are doing, so do I. That needs to be spelt out. I’ll even go to the extent of bringing support from my national association.’’

Barreto is hoping to get a one-way ticket out of India at the earliest, but before that he needs an unpaid amount of Rs 15 lakh. According to Bagan assistant secretary Balaram Choudhary, the amount would be cleared at the earliest after Barreto’s reply to the show cause notice. After that, if things go according to Barreto’s plan, it might be the end of one of the most fantastic strikers in Indian football in recent times.