New Delhi, Sep 1 (Inditop.com) India goalkeeper Subrata Paul is now targeting to play in top football leagues in Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Subrata’s six-month contract with his American agent Eddie Rock expired Tuesday, a day after his heroics helped India to retain the ONGC Nehru Cup title, beating Syria 6-5 via the shootout.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper, who had signed for newly promoted I-league team Pune FC, is excited about the new Asian Football Confederation (AFC) rule on overseas players that makes mandatory for all clubs to use one Asian player.
“I am not extending my contract with Eddie since he couldn’t do much. I am on the lookout for a new agent. My target is Europe but things are not going to be what I want. I feel leagues in South Korea, Japan and Saudi Arabia are of very high standards and I will also try my luck there,” he said.
India coach Bob Houghton, who has coached top Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad, said that club leagues in West Asia are of high standards and Indian players stand to benefit from those leagues.
“League in West Asia are a light years ahead India. It is a good option for Indian players,” he said.
rounak