Rejected but not dejected, Bhutia back from Blighty

CALCUTTA, March 16: Last week at London, Indians, just a handful of them, rooted for him as he kicked the ball, trying to convince the sceptics that he was good. In the end, they were not convinced and bade him farewell with a good luck wish. But his abortive tryst with destiny has proved only an appetiser. He wants he go back and prove he is indeed good.

Bhaichung Bhutia, India’s star football striker, returned from England Monday and described the weather there as `cold.’ The mercury must have fallen even further after he received the cold shoulder from Aston Villa, the English football club which called him for a trial. Bhutia, the best player of a country, ranked beyond 110 in the world, was not considered good by the talent scouts. However, the man is not disheartened. He wants to return there in July, for more trials. Perhaps his determination will help him succeed.

The boy from an obscure village in Sikkim might find his first taste of English climate icy, but he feels he will get used to it aftermore visits. He is not saying much about the trip, and wants to concentrate on the National League. However, he is surely looking for other avenues abroad. The Aston Villa rejection is not the end of the world, and Bhutia is not complaining.