Bhutia looking to play for
Indian club this season

Having completed his term with English second division club Bury FC, Indian football star Baichung Bhutia is contemplating playing in India again though he will finalise his future plans only by July.

"At the moment, it is difficult to say about my future plans. I have a couple of options, but playing for an Indian club is definitely a possibility. I am not taking a final decision until July," Bhutia told reporters in Kolkata on Friday.

The former India captain, who was in the city in connection with the unveiling of the FIFA World Cup Champions Trophy programme, said he has made up his mind not to play for Bury FC though he could return to England to play for another club.

"The Bury FC chapter is closed. I might try again in England, but getting the work permit may be difficult. Singapore is another option. Let's see how things go," he said.

Bhutia said he has offers from some Indian clubs, including East Bengal, for the forthcoming Indian season and does not rule out the possibility of turning out for one of them.

Asked whether he would prefer to play for a Kolkata-based club in case he decides to stay in India, Bhutia replied, "I would love to play in Kolkata. I will definitely speak to clubs in the city. It depends on what kind of offer I get. East Bengal is always an option, but am open to other teams in this state [West Bengal], Goa or down south."

Talking about his stint with Bury FC, Bhutia was candid in saying, "I don't think I did justice to them or myself either. After my injury I played only five or six games where I scored some six goals but that is all. So, I really don't blame them after the efforts they had taken to rehabilitate me."

He said his immediate goal is to play "in a team where I will be in playing eleven". "That can be anywhere. Europe is also an option, but I don't want to warm the benches only."

Bhutia felt Bury's dwindling financial status is because of big clubs like Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers attracting more spectators for their matches.

"Since Bury is surrounded by clubs like Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers, which are just a few kilometres away, the youths around like to grow up in that atmosphere rather than see Bury play. So a club that drew some 70,000 spectators before, now has some 4,000 odd supporters. As lesser number of people come, the revenue has also fallen," he said.

Asked if he is ready to face the Barreto challenge [Brazilian striker Jose Barreto, who excelled in the just-concluded National Football League], Bhutia declared he is "ready to take on anybody in India". "I think the defenders are a far bigger challenge that another striker," he said.

He also said he is looking forward to contributing more to Indian football.

"I have seen how things function in one of the top leagues in the world. I have the insiders' point of view. I can help inject new ideas, plans and methods given a chance and asked for. They will also come handy when my playing career is over. I have taken their rehab programme really well and have so many new ideas which I am willing to share," he said.

He was of the opinion that the governing bodies of football in India should constitute a committee, comprising two members from all the national clubs.

"They are in a better position to look into the intricacies of the game and handle it in a more professional manner. Mr [Albert] Colaso is the best thing that has happened to Indian football of late. He has big plans for the game. Loving the sport and thinking about it is more important," he said.

Asked whether he was hinting that the people involved with the federations are there just for political purposes, Bhutia dodged the question with the same elan as he dodges rival defenders.

"I only mean people who are interested in the game should be involved not the ones who are not," he retorted.

He also brushed aside suggestions of having ego problems about playing in India. "I can do anything that the game demands. Once I am in a club I have to follow their rules. There should not be any problems," he said.

He felt players in India are quite good but need a little grooming to measure up to international standards. "I keep a close watch on how the game is played in India. In fact, I kept track of the fluctuating fortunes in the recently-concluded NFL. The players are quality ones and need little more care and grooming," he said.

Commenting on the decision of the All India Football Federation to reduce the number of foreign players in India, he said, "Nothing can be said so soon, but it will obviously give an impetus to the home players."

So what does he have to say about France defending their crown at the coming World Cup, in Japan and South Korea?

"They are the best bet to retain this year's World Cup. They have been the most consistent side for the last four years.

"They are a very balanced side and have players like [Zindine] Zidane and [Patrick] Vierra in their ranks. Besides, [Fabian] Barthez is one of the best custodians world football has presently," he said.

''I will keep France and Argentina right at the top. It will be a close fight for the honours. At the same time don't count out Brazil. They are a different team altogether when it comes to the Cup.

"England is a formidable side but in case they miss out on [David] Beckham and [Michael] Owen's services, they will find it tough to go."

He felt the English team gets inspired by the presence of Beckham and Owen.

However, he marked Portugal as his "dark horse". "They are a very talented side and players like Figo can be match-winners by themselves."

He praised Japan for the progress they have made in the game and hoped that India would be able to emulate them. "I really hope India plays World Cup very soon," he concluded.