No takers for Bhutia

NEW DELHI: Bhaichung Bhutia is stuck between a rock and a hard place, but he is not backing off. Upended on the question of fitness first by Mohun Bagan coach Amal Dutta, then by new Indian coach Syed Nayeemuddin and now East Bengal's Subhas Bhowmick, a somewhat belligerent Bhutia told TOI on Saturday, "I don't have to prove my fitness to anybody. I know my fitness.If things don't work out with East Bengal, I can always return to Malaysia."
Bhutia arrived in Kolkata on Friday expressing his desire to turn out for East Bengal this season, but Bhowmick, training his squad in Shantiniketan near Kolkata, apparently made it clear that his former ace does not fit in his scheme of things for the Federation Cup because of "suspect fitness."
"I'm meeting Bhowmick formally on Tuesday. It should either be a Yes or No, and I will know soon," Bhutia said, adding that he was willing to undergo a fitness test.
"My contract in Malaysia runs up till November 1, and the leagues in South East Asian countries do not start till December, so I have time, but I'd like to add that I'm not begging anyone to take me. I can always go back to Malaysia, if things don't work out here."
On his increasingly uncertain return to the National team, Bhutia said: "I have nothing to prove to anybody."
Bhutia, who apparently has scored four goals in six games (inclusive of the pre-season practice games) with FC Perak, indicated that it was just not Malaysia but even Singapore, where he would try his luck.
"I am keen to join East Bengal here in India, but if that does not work out, there are always clubs in Malaysia and Singapore," he said.