Kolkata: India's campaign for the August 16 AFC Asian Cup qualifying match against Saudi Arabia got a big boost on Sunday with star striker Bhaichung Bhutia deciding to join the ongoing camp in Kolkata, reversing his retirment plans from international soccer.
"I had a talk with chief soccer coach Bob Houghton this afternoon. Following the talks, I have decided to join the camp from tomorrow," Bhutia said.
The dialogue took place soon after Bhutia returned from his native village of Tinkitam in Sikkim.
Indian team manager Pradip Chowdhury welcomed the player's decision saying it will help in boosting the morale of the side.
Earlier in the day, Houghton had expressed his desire to have Bhaichung in the camp.
"If you ask me whether we want him in the team, I'll say 'absolutely'," Houghton said.
The Briton said that he had earlier spoken to Bhutia before the Indian team left for the Vancouver trip last month. "He then told me that he needed rest. This I found quite natural, as he has been playing for a long time, and taking a lot of pressure as well."
Houghton said it was not an issue that Bhutia, if he indeed made himself available, would be joining the ongoing camp later than the others.
"We don't have any such ego problems. Our only aim is to see that we get the best set of players."
The seasoned coach, who had earlier been in charge of the national teams of China and Uzbekistan, said the other players in the camp were looking forward to Bhutia being there. "He is very popular with the footballers."
The Mohun Bagan striker had earlier expressed his desire to call time on his international career, but All India Football Federation president Priyaranjan Dasmunsi requested him to prolong his career till the Doha Asian Games in "national interest."
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