Eng calling, Chhetri yet to decide

8220;I have a talk with them. But things are not that easy. They have certain criteria to play in the English leagues. First, you have to play 75 per cent of your country8217;s international matches. I qualify on that count, but the problem is they allow work permit only to the players from the countries that are among top 75 in the Fifa listings. There8217;s another way out though, which I don8217;t want to disclose at the moment,8221; Chhetri told The Indian Express.

Injury has forced Chhetri to cool his heels while East Bengal are struggling in their I-League campaign. The club officials don8217;t have any informations about this offer.

8220;He hasn8217;t told us anything yet. We have a contract with him. If he is interested, we will definitely consider his request. But at the moment it8217;s a bit premature to say anything,8221; club official Debabrata Sarkar told this daily.

A few third division Portuguese clubs had shown interests in Chhetri during India8217;s tour of Portugal four months ago. 8220;I will go aboard only if I find the offer lucrative. The deal has to be better than what it is with East Bengal. Exposure is important and the infrastructure will be a lot better in Europe. But as far as the monetary aspect is concerned, I8217;m not too sure whether the third division clubs in Europe will give me more money than what I am getting from East Bengal,8221; Chhetri had told this correspondent.

Chhetri was adjudged the Indian footballer of the year last season. His rating has increased after a brilliant show in the AFC Challenge Cup where he played a pivotal role to help India win the tournament and qualify for the main rounds. He is now the chote Nawab of Indian football.