The former Southampton youth player says the India captain faces a “tough call” on his future.
Paul Masefield says India captain Sunil Chetri must make a decision on future with Sporting Lisbon’s ‘B Team’.
Chetri has failed to make the desired impact in Portugal following his move from Mohun Bagan in 2012 and returned to the I-League on a loan deal with Churchill Brothers in February.
It has led to Masefield, who has appointed the technical director of Kooh Sports Football Development Centre, to question whether the 28-year-old striker should return to the Complexo Desportivo de Rio Maior.
“I know he [Chhetri] had his share of problems for not getting enough game time,” he said to the Times of India.
“That’s always frustrating for a footballer. It’s a tough decision for him to make and I wish him all the best.”
Masefield, a former Southampton youth team defender, feels Asian players, like Chetri, have proven they aren’t of a sufficient calibre to make a success of their careers at European clubs.
“Players need opportunity to play there but at present the talent is not good enough,” he added.
“I have lived in Asia half my life and know a lot of different players and coaches.
“Not many of the Asian players can mix well in European Leagues, which predominantly has the best leagues in the world it the English Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, the Dutch or the Serie A.”
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