Latapy turns down offer to return

FORMER Trinidad and Tobago football team captain Russell Latapy has expressed regret in having to turn down an invitation to rejoin the national team trying to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Latapy, a former FC Porto and Hibernian standout, and Jack Warner, special advisor to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation, discussed his possible return yesterday morning. Latapy stated that at age 36 he didn’t think it would be suitable for him to return to international duty for his country. “He did call me and he apologised for not returning my previous calls and our discussion was an extremely cordial and amicable one . He said that at age 36, having to come four days before a match to play is not something his body can take,” said Warner yesterday.

“He also has plans for himself as a player/coach which he is also negotiating at this time. Therefore he regrets he cannot accept the offer to represent the country again,” Warner stated from his CONCACAF office, Edward Street, Port-of-Spain. Latapy also mentioned that he would always be open to the offer of being a coach of the Soca Warriors. “I said of course that my remit is to invite him to play on the field and if and when the idea of a coach ever comes up there is a normal channel in which this will be considered,” Warner said. Currently Latapy is assigned as player/coach with Scottish First Division side Falkirk who are nearing promotion to the Scottish Premier League. And while he is anticipating the jump back into the big league, the “Little Magician” also wished his countrymen well in their attempt to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

“I think their chances are as good as any and I do wish them well in their efforts to get to the next World Cup,” Latapy stated. Meanwhile, the national team continued training at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar yesterday and the sessions will continue over the coming weeks. The preparation leads up to the next 2006 World Cup qualifier against Guatemala on March 26 which will follow a warm-up international match against Honduras on March 22. TT head coach Bertille St Clair will leave for England on March 9 to meet with the team’s  UK-based pros as well as special technical consultant Graham Taylor.