Tantalisingly troubled by a recurring left calf muscle injury, former India skipper Bhaichung Bhutia has revealed that he will decide his future with the Indian national team in the coming days.
“I will decide in another couple of days whether I will retire or not,” he said at the launch of a talent hunt campaign kicked off by his own Bhaichung Bhutia Football School (BBFS).
“I will decide in another couple of days whether I will retire or not,” he said at the launch of a talent hunt campaign kicked off by his own Bhaichung Bhutia Football School (BBFS).
Bhutia, who hasn’t played a single international match since turning out for the last 15 minutes against South Korea in the 2011 Asian Cup early this year, felt that he needed some time to assess his fitness before taking a call on his participation in the upcoming tour to United Kingdom with the India U-23 side.
“I always love to play for the country. But given my fitness level, I’m not sure whether to travel with the team to the UK,” said the Sikkimese sniper.
The 35-year-old, along with another senior player Renedy Singh, has been recalled to the national squad by All India Football Federation (AIFF) for the 'Clash of the Titans – India-Pakistan UK tour' in England.
While Bhaichung spent time with the physio, Renedy took the field with the juniors, all of whom dropped in the capital on Wednesday night.
“I will take a decision within a day or two about the UK tour,” he said. “Unless I practice for the next few days, I won’t be in a position to decide.”
Renedy Singh, however, stays fit and is raring to go. “I’m fully fit and have been waiting for this tour for long. There’s nothing like being back in the National Camp,” he said.
Even if he makes the trip to the UK, Bhutia said he will return after playing in the first match, against Pakistan on September 3, as he wants to make himself available for his club Sikkim United, who will be competing in the Federation Cup qualifiers in the second week.
“I will come by September 9, probably after the first two matches," he said.
The India U-23 side are scheduled to play against Pakistan at Pride Park Ground in Derby, followed by matches against England U-23 and Scotland U-21 sides.
Bhaichung Bhutia also gave his take on the current India interim coach Armando Colaco's tenure with the senior side.
"You cannot have someone for two or four months. Most of our boys come from the same system but still one needs time."
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