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I will play in the next Asian Cup: Bhutia
Despite being laid low by injuries in recent times, Indian football team skipper Bhaichung Bhutia has his eyes trained on the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia.
Despite being laid low by injuries in recent times, Indian football team skipper Bhaichung Bhutia has his eyes trained on the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia.
The 34-year-old striker made a comeback from injury as a 80th-minute substitute in India's 4-1 to South Korea in their final Group C match on Wednesday, thus bringing to an end a nearly four-month hiatus. Bhutia has been out of action since September with a calf problem.
"I don't want to retire injured," Bhutia told reporters.
"I will take a break for two to three months and see if I can recover fully from my injury and after that I will decide. I think I will recover in two or three months and then I will continue playing," India's record goal-scorer said.
"I consulted the Australian team doctor and other local doctors here. Every two days blood clots are drained from my calf and I took painkillers," he said.
Bhutia said he was delighted to have made his Asian Cup debut, after missing out on the first two matches.
"I did not feel any discomfort in the 15 minutes I played (against South Korea). I am happy that I played in the Asian Cup.
"It is the biggest stage of football in Asia. For every Asian player, the World Cup and Asian Cup are the biggest tournaments.
"I am happy to have played in the Asian Cup. I will play in the next Asian Cup (in Australia in 2015),".
