New Delhi: Indian Arrows head coach Luis Norton De Matos expressed his unhappiness over U-17 goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem’s decision to end his contract with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and make a move overseas.
The 17 year-old custodian, who under Matos’ tutelage had played the FIFA U-17 World Cup and was also the No. 1 choice for both the U-19 national team as well as the AIFF developmental team Indian Arrows, quit the I-League after his contract expired on December 31.
“I think the best for Dheeraj will be to play the I-League and after I-League if he has to take a trial in Europe, he will have 12-13 matches under his belt, that will give him more confidence to take these trials, said the Portugese tactician.
The Manipur lad has reportedly left for Scotland for a trial at Motherwell F.C and has also been linked to a few League One clubs — Blackburn Rovers and Charlton Athletic F.C. Talks with West Ham have already having reached an advanced stage on agreement, it seems. Interestingly West Ham head coach David Moyes had offered Dheeraj a trial at the English Premier League (EPL) club’s academy after the latter’s impressive performance during the U-17 World Cup.
But according to Matos, “With this kind of level of players, even in Europe is the same.” Agents are however to be blamed for all these feels the 64 year-old.
“Around players there are a lot of agents, advisers. These people don’t know what is the process of development for players,” said the Arrows gaffer at a pre-match conference.
However, even if Dheeraj passed the trials he will have to wait for a minimum of six months before joining any European club. According to the FIFA rules no player below the age of 18 can be registered unless the Players’ parents or wards move to the same country and Matos agreed, commenting that Dheeraj will indeed have to miss the rest of the season until July four.
“Even if he gets selected in the trials, he will have to wait till September until he turns eighteen to play for any club, he could have played and gained experience playing in I-League until then,” concluded Matos.