Sunil Chhetri signed a two-year contract with Dempo on Thursday but the club clarified that for now they are not looking at signing Bhaichung Bhutia.
Chhetri confirmed the signing, saying he agreed after Dempo accepted they would let him appear for trials at foreign clubs. The India forward is expected to leave for an extended session at Coventry City next month.
Asked why he chose Dempo, Chhetri said: “Dempo has been the most consistent club for the past few years, and I'm sure playing for a club like Dempo will also help me in improving my game” he added.
Before being off-loaded by East Bengal because he didn't accept a pay cut, Chhetri scored nine goals, the highest by an Indian in the I-League.
rmando Colaco, Dempo's coach-cum-secretary, said: “He is a proven customer and his presence will definitely add to our team.”
On the possibility of signing Bhutia, Colaco said: “Bhutia is great player, we would love to have an asset like him in our side. But Ranty (Martins) is also there and we can't ignore him.” It would be difficult to accommodate Bhutia because then who would we leave out, Colaco said.