KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Wizards fans have seen the last of midfielder Sunil Chhetri this season.
Kansas City announced they will allow Chhetri to join the Indian National Team through the conclusion of the 2011 Asian Cup, which will be held in January in Qatar. Chhetri signed with the Wizards in March from Dempo SC of India’s I-League.
"I'm excited to be joining the National Team,” Chhetri said in a statement, “but I'll miss Kansas City. Everything was falling into place here, including the big win we just had against Manchester United."
Chhetri’s 21-minute substitute appearance in that victory marked the first time the diminutive midfielder had made manager Peter Vermes’ game-day roster since starting and playing the first half of a US Open Cup game against Colorado on April 10.
The 25-year-old has 35 caps for India, scoring 16 goals in those appearances. He was one of 30 players called up by India manager Bob Houghton for the team’s ongoing preparations for the Asian Cup. Chhetri scored a hat trick in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup final against Tajikistan to give India a spot in the tournament for the first time in 24 years.
Presumably, the call-up should help both club and player.
"This will allow Sunil to play full-time on a regular basis,” Vermes said in the press release. “This will be not only good for him, but good for us in the future, and we always want to help our players develop as much as we possibly can. We look forward to Sunil coming back to Kansas City."
In related news, Kansas City also announced that midfielder Santiago Hirsig has reached a mutual agreement to part ways with the club.
Reports out of Argentina suggest Hirsig will sign with Club Atlético Quilmes in the Argentine first division. The Wizards signed the holding midfielder in 2009, and he appeared in 27 games for Kansas City, scoring one goal and adding an assist.
The move makes room on the 24-man roster for Greek defender Nikos “Nick” Kounenakis, who has received his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa and will be available for selection for Saturday’s match vs. Toronto FC.
