National defender Aubrey David is a regular starter with Costa Rican powerhouse club Deportivo Saprissa, and the former Caledonia AIA player says his decision to join the club in December has turned out to be one of the best decisions of his career.
David has started most of the club's games including their two El Clasico semi-final matches with Alajuelense this week. Initially signed by the club for one year following an injury to Heiner Mora, David has been offered a new two-year contract with Saprissa having found favour with head coach Carlos Watson since his arrival at the club.
"It's been a good season. Being able to come to Costa Rica where football is number one and they are so passionate about it, and fit into the culture and the football has been a big deal for me," David said.
"My game has definitely gone up a notch because the level of play is quite good and the competition among the top four or five teams is quite intense. There are some very keen rivalries so for a lot of games we are playing in front of large crowds of 15,000 and more. I think it prepares me for playing in these conditions with the national team," said David who is anticipating a trip to San Jose with the T&T team for the final round of 2018 World Cup qualification next year.
Saprissa's head coach Watson spoke highly of David, saying: "Aubrey has done very well. He is a decent boy and he works very hard. He brings a good quality to the team. He has been a very good addition," Watson said.Nigerian striker says Yorke was his hero
Nigerian Watford striker Odion Ighlo says he grew up admiring the exploits of Dwight Yorke while he played for Manchester United.
Reports are that Manchester United and Arsenal are set to make bids for the player. Ighalo, who has been in superb form this season scoring 14 Premier League goals and two FA Cup goals, has also attracted interest from Roma and La Liga title contenders Atletico Madrid.
The player said he would definitely not turn down a move to United.
"I don't think I will be moving but I'm not sure I could say no if United called.They were my team growing up. I loved watching Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke. They were my idols and playing at Old Trafford has always been a dream," Ighlo said.
Both Yorke and Cole teamed up once more, this time on the golf course in Chile last month, as they were there as United ambassadors for the club's official global wine partner Casillero del Diablo.
Copa America will be bitter sweet for Molino
As the Copa America Centenario approaches and Orlando is one of the host cities next month, a media day was hosted in the city this week where several big names came together to speak about the upcoming event.
Two players from Orlando City are in the preliminary squads of their national teams for the tournament. Team captain Kak� (Brazil) and midfielder Cristian Higuita (Colombia) are likely to feature.
When asked by the media in Orlando to comment on whether he was excited about the tournament, T&T midfielder Kevin Molino said he was anticipating it but it could have been a much different picture for him.
"It's a little bit bittersweet for me because T&T was about to qualify for the Copa twice and was knocked out," he said.
"Some of our players will be there, which is good for them, but disappointing in a way that we will be out a couple of players. We're just happy for them and wish them the best of luck.
"I wasn't able to play in our final qualifier in January because of my injury and unfortunately for us our team was not in the best shape mentally and I think we didn't play our best game which saw us lose out to Haiti. That was a big disappointment because we missed out on a great opportunity. But we have the World Cup qualifiers to still look forward to and we have a couple good friendlies this month," Molino added.
Shaun Fuentes
Dir. of Communications
Trinidad and Tobago Football Association
(868) 681 5429 (mobile) 623 9500 (office)
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