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Journalism of Courage
With English club Leeds United and a few Portuguese outfits evincing interest in striker Sunil Chhetri for the past few months,Coventry City is the latest on the Indians radar. The East Bengal striker has got an offer for a trial at Coventry City and has sought leave from his club to go there.
As per Chhetris contract with East Bengal,he is allowed take leave whenever theres an offer for trial from overseas. The club has requested him to play the match against Chirag United on Saturday,and though Chhetri was reluctant initially,he has now agreed. He is expected to leave for England on Saturday night and will return on January 31.
High hopes
Nothing has been finalised yet. I have got a call-up for a trial at Coventry City. Every player aspires to play in England and I hope it goes well, Chhetri said.
Playing football in England is very tough and he must know how to adjust himself to the conditions. Thoughts like I am playing for a second or third division club should not come into his mind. He should try to find solutions for his drawbacks from the highly qualified coaches of foreign clubs, said JCT coach Sukhwinder Singh,who has worked with the striker earlier.
Coventry City play in the Coca Cola Championship in England which is a division just below the Premier League. They have reached the fourth round of the FA Cup and will play against Torquay United on Saturday.
Apart from the English club,Chhetri also has an offer from American Major League Soccer team (MLS) DC United. This club has reportedly had talks with East Bengal goalie Subrata Paul,Mahindra United midfielder Steven Dias and Mohun Bagan midfielder Lalkamal Bhowmick as well. I will go abroad next season. Even if I get less money initially,I am game, said Paul.
