Sunil Chhetri joins Chirag United

I-League side Chirag United SC have pulled off the transfer coup of the winter by signing Indian international striker Sunil Chhetri until the end of the 2010/11 season. That was confirmed by the clubs chairman Kaustav Roy and player last night. Thereby the hopes of United Sikkim and Baichung Bhutia to make a marquee signing by getting Chhetri on board for the 2.Division I-League will not happen.

Chhetri only a few days ago was released by Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas for whom he had signed a three year contract in March 2010, but he would never play for them in the North American MLS, only making a cup appearance and the high profile friendly against Manchester United.

Since his strong performance in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup Chhetri is being linked with moves to other foreign leagues, but nothing concrete seems to have come through forcing him to come back to India. There was real interest from A-League side Perth Glory, but they could only bring him into Australia later in the year.

Chhetri is not new to the Kolkata Maidans as he had his first break with Mohun Bagan AC and later on also played for their archrivals East Bengal Club. So he is familiar with Kolkata football and if he can carry his Asian Cup form into the I-League then Chirag United are getting a very potent weapon in their attacking arsenal.

For Chhetri meanwhile his dream to play abroad isn't over. His first stint has ended and hopefully a new one will soon come his way...