Europe remains Chhetris final goal

• Personally,it was a great season. Winning the AFC Challenge Cup and qualifying for the Asian Cup was special. I did reasonably well in the club tournaments also,scoring nine goals in the I-League so far,but my club failed to win a trophy.

Was it wise to leave JCT and return to Kolkata?

• I came here simply because East Bengal offered me more money. While infrastructure-wise JCT was much better,theres a passion for football in Kolkata. But I dont think it was a wrong decision. I am happy and I want to stay here.

So you wont be pursuing your dream of playing in Europe?

• My ultimate aim is to move to Europe. But you know how difficult it is for an Indian footballer to make it to a top European league. I appeared for trials at Coventry City in January but was unsuccessful. Ive learnt valuable lessons and will try again. Ill move out at the first available opportunity. Youve to go there if you want to make a mark as a footballer.

Doesnt your statement reflect poorly on Indian football?

• I dont mean things arent moving here; they are,but at a very slow pace. Last year,we went to Portugal and trained at a third division club,but the pitch was top notch. Portugal is a small country but even a third division club there has first-rate facilities. There is no dearth of talent here; given proper support,theyll develop into quality players.

The senior national team havent played much after AFC Challenge Cup. Is it a concern?

• We have played only one international friendly,against Hong Kong,after that tournament. We need better planning,more camps and international exposure in the lead-up to the Asian Cup in 2011.

Of late,Dempo have become the face of Indian football. Is there a lesson to be learnt?

• They are being rewarded for stability and consistency. They have the same coach and almost same set of players for the last four-five years. They have their priorities right. Everybody should take a leaf out of Dempos book.