Trinidad & Tobago’s influential midfielder, Ataullah Guerra signed on with Central F.C. yesterday, for another season.
Guerra, who joined The Sharks in January after returning from a spell in Finland, had a successful second half season which saw him score 6 goals in his 17 appearances, which coincided with Central’s 17 game unbeaten run.
“It’s great to be back as part of a winning team” said Guerra. “I’m determined to help the club to become Caribbean Club Champions and qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League”
Guerra said that he had considered returning overseas to continue his career, but once he decided to stay in Trinidad, he was only interested in one club.
“Central is a great club with big ambitions and great potential” said Guerra. “Although there were offers from overseas clubs, there is also a lot going on here in T&T to stay around for. I want to solidify my place on the national team and I believe that I need to play in front of Coach Hart every week in the Pro League to achieve this.
I was also concerned that many overseas players would not be called back for games. By returning to Central, I know that I can win trophies and keep in Coach Harts thoughts and, well, home is where the heart is – no joke intended! But I also know that Central will promote me overseas so that if I do decide to play outside Trinidad, the club will help me to move”
Central F.C. Managing Director revealed that the club had received inquiries from an MLS club earlier in the year.
“We spoke with Tulla about a possible move to the MLS, but he wanted to stay with us until the season ended. He was focused on Central reaching the Caribbean Club Championships.” said Sancho.
“Although we were pleased that Tulla stayed, we were surprised, as it was a big opportunity. But I think players are realising that currently, playing in the Pro League is the best route to representing T&T on the international stage, “added the former Socawarrior.
Sancho said that he was confident that this season will see players such as Leston Paul, Darren Mitchell and Sean de Silva becoming regular members of the national team squad.
“These boys are formidable players and haven’t yet had an opportunity to force their way into Coach Hart’s squads. But I can see all of them challenge for starting positions over the next few months.”
The former T&T defender concluded “Once again, we have put together a squad that has strength in depth. Players will have to be at their peak to force their way into Coach Vranes’ line up.
We are also still 100% Trini and we hope to see players such as Qian Grosvenor, Elijah Manners, Jean-Luc Rochford and Marcelle Francois raise their profiles and hopefully catch the eye of Coach Hart."