Having retired from India colours in 2011 against South Korea in the AFC Asian Cup, Bhutia last season said he wished to retire donning red and gold colours "one last time".
"But I don't see that happening. I am really struggling with my knee injury and not in a shape to play the top-tier I-Leauge for East Bengal. You can say that I am not going to play club again," Bhutia told reporters at the launch of East Bengal's residential academy in BA-CA ground in Salt Lake today.
Hailing the initiative by East Bengal, AIFF vice president Subrata Dutta said:"The idea should be to catch them young. The academy can be the breeding ground for many excellent talents all over the country.