Colombian-based player Clyde Leon prepared himself for an eventual move to an overseas Professional League a few weeks ago after entering into a contract with T&TEC with a clause that would allow him to depart once the opportunity came along.
That happened earlier this month as Corporacion Deportivo Itagüí Ditaires snapped up the player.
The former W Connection man captained T&T last year and his style is liked by Otto Pfister who has observed the player in training for the past few weeks.
He will however not be available for T&T’s friendly internationalon August 21 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium but is likely to return for the September 2 2014 World Cup qualifier versus Bermuda at the same venue once selected by the German.
“When I signed with T&TEC I was looking ahead to a new challenge but I also signed a contract which would allow me to leave the club if something better came up for an overseas league.
I’m sorry I did not get to play a competitive game for the club because they offered me the opportunity and I wish them well in the 2011 season.
Personally I needed this move abroad because I want to broaden my experience and challenge myself against tougher opponents. I think the level in Colombia is of a really good level and they have a lot of experience here having played at several World Cups and produced several top players,” Leon said.
“I’ve been playing in practice matches and training every day. It’s been a smooth change over for me so far and I’m looking forward to the season. Hopefully I can lift my level of play while I’m here and offer a better option as a player for the national coach,” added the ex-Princes Town Senior Comprehensive player.
It is understood that former T&T and Colombia head coach Francisco Maturana played a role in the deal which was handled locally by Sheldon Scipio of Mercuri Caribbean on Leon’s behalf.