Suree to sign with Manchester City today
TOR CHITTINAND
Photo: Man City’s Sven-Goran Eriksson
and Chinese player Sun Jihai arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday.
SAROT MEKSOPHAWANNAKULManchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson arrived in Bangkok yesterday to sign three local players who will become the first Thais to be on the books of an English Premiership club. It is part of club chairman Thaksin Shinawatra's ambition to make City one of the biggest global brands.
Eriksson flew in from Shanghai along with China international Sun Jihai and Thaksin's son Panthongtae who is fighting tax fraud charges.
Eriksson declined comment on the trip.
''I will not say anything today. Everything will be announced during the press conference tomorrow,'' the Swede said.
A press conference will be held at the Conrad hotel this morning for the signing of Thailand internationals Suree Sukha, Kiatprawut Saiwaew and Teerasil Dangda.
Full-back Suree, 25, is expected to be based at City, while the other two are likely to be loaned out to other European clubs to hone their skills.
Eriksson arrived to be greeted by hundreds of journalists, security guards and Thaksin supporters who carried his photos and wore T-shirts with the slogan ''We love Thaksin.''
The president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), Mr Worawi Makudi said ''I cannot say anything about City's plans because it will be officially announced tomorrow during the press conference.
''However, Suree will go to England after he plays for the national team against Yemen this Sunday. While the other two, Kiatprawut and Teerasil will go after the SEA Games.''
''We must find a personal manager for Suree while he is in England,'' said Worawi. ''At the beginning, we may let Chanvit (Thai coach) go with him for a few weeks and then we will find a manager for him. I think the owner of a Thai restaurant in Manchester might be suitable.''
Suree, who would become the first Thai to play in the English Premier League said: ''I am very excited about the possibility of playing in the Premiership. I didn't really expect this. When I went training with City I thought it would just be useful experience.''
Suree said he would prepare himself properly.
''I am sure I can adapt to the English style of playing.
''I will do my best to prove myself and hope I will get a chance to play in January.''
He said he would give himself two or three years to show what he can do in the English game.
''If it doesn't work out I can always come back and play for Chonburi again,'' he said.
ambition – something that you want to do or achieve very much
global – throughout the whole world ทั่วโลก
fraud – the crime of cheating in order to get money or goods illegally การฉ้อโกง
declined – refused politely ปฏิเสธ บอกปัด
hone – to develop and improve something, especially a skill
adapt – to change your behaviour in order to deal more successfully with a new situation