ISL 2017/18: Former Kerala Blasters star Antonio German desperate for a return to Kochi
What's the story?
Manjappada-Kerala Blasters Fans are undoubtedly one of the most passionate supporters' fraternities of ISL. The 'Yellow Army' can go to any extent to back their team and the relationship between star players of Kerala Blasters and the fans is adorable. Antonio German, who had played for the Blasters in the previous two seasons is no stranger to the hospitality of the Kerala fans and now he wants to return to the Kochi-based team.
In case you didn't know...
Antonio German was a trump card in the roster for Kerala Blasters in the second edition. The QPR academy product made his ISL debut in the 7th game of the second edition, under Tery Phelan, who had replaced Peter Taylor as the head coach of the team.
Despite starting late in the league, German managed to become the top-scorer of the Peter Ramage-captained side. He did his part best to turn things in favour of the tuskers, but Kerala failed a team in that season.
In the next season, German was retained, and had a moderate outing for the team. However, he was not retained by the side when they revamped their squad for the fourth edition of ISL. When striker Mark Sifneos was released from the team in January 2018, German had taken to Twitter to say, "Just to clear things up I would love to come back to Kerala blasters but haven’t heard anything back from the management!".
The heart of the matter
The 26-year-old has again voiced his desire to play for the Kerala outfit. "Somebody get me back to KBFC," he tweeted on Thursday. However, there have been no positive responses from the team management.
What's next?
Kerala Blasters have 8 foreign players in the squad. Since Gudjon Baldvinsson has joined the team on loan after Sifneos' departure, they won't be able to sign any more foreigners. According to the current scenario, it's impossible for German to make a KBFC return.
Author's take
Kerala Blasters have well-equipped foreigners in the league. With German beingjust a moderate player the previous season, chances for him to join Kerala Blasters are scanty.