Gould not giving up on World Cup dream

CEBUANO-BRITISH Chad Alesna Gould’s dream of playing in the World Cup and rejoining the Azkals may have been derailed by an infected mosquito bite on his left thigh but he is not giving up.

Gould returned to join the training pool for the Philippine national football team’s campaign in the World Cup Qualifiers last May 8 after leaving the team January of 2010 and going back to London.

However, on his second week with the Azkals, he had to leave the team again because the doctor advised him not to play football for two weeks after undergoing a minor surgery to treat an infected mosquito bite.

“I really want to play with the Azkals. I came here at my own expense because I really wanted to play with them again. To play in the World Cup is one of my dreams,” Gould said.

Gould was supposed to be the fittest among the team. However, he was not afforded the chance to show the Azkals’ manager and coach what he can do for the team since his stay with the team was cut short.

Because of what happened, Gould will be cutting what would have been a three-month stay here in the Philippines and will go back to London this Thursday to continue his job there as a musician. He would no longer be joining the Azkals in their one-week team bonding here in Cebu City except for a brief meeting with the team’s physiotherapist when they arrive tomorrow.

He is not putting hopes on getting a call to join the team’s training in Germany because the coach wants to put up a team lineup this week.

Azkals team manager Dan Palami, however, said there is still a chance for Gould to rejoin the Azkals.

In his brief stay with the team, Gould said the Azkals has become so more professional since he left last year. “There’s a new professional vibe with the team, better players, a lot more organized,” Gould said.

He added that the team has improved a lot, especially with its defense. Despite not part of the team, Gould said he always watched the Azkals’ games live.

“I was happy for them and sad that I was no longer part of the team,” Gould said.

The 28-year-old booter said that he might go back to playing for the England beach football team. But he would always prioritize the Azkals should he get another chance.

He said that for now, he needs to try and recover as fast as possible and have his wound heal.

Gould recently signed up with a football agent who will try to get him a contract for the next season. He also said that he is open to the idea of signing up with a club here should there be a proposal. Gould is also willing to share his knowledge in organizing a beach soccer. CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON