Latas last game on home turf May 10.
By: Shaun Fuentes.[/size]
National Senior Team midfielder Russell Latapy, as a way of keeping it real, has expressed his thrill over being officially listed on the squad of 24 players selected by Leo Beenhakker to subsequently represent this country at the upcoming 2006 World Cup. And the “Little Magician” has also declared that his appearance, once selected, in T&T’s friendly international against Peru on May 10 will be his final in national colours on home soil.
Latapy, a past national team captain, made the disclosure on Thursday as he made his feelings known on the announcement of the squad a day earlier by Beenhakker.
In his final statements during Thursday’s interview, Latapy stated: “This one against Peru will definitely be the last game for me in front of the Trinidad and Tobago public. It will be a very emotional appearance for me because I have had a fantastic time playing for the people of the country and apart from this being a warm up for us ahead of the World Cup, I will also want it to be my way of showing my appreciation for all the support I have received over the years from the locals. This is going to be a special one,” Latapy told TTFF Media.
The Falkirk player went on to add that he has made his mind up on calling it a day as a player on the international stage following T&T’s appearance in Germany.
“Obviously it was a big step to come back and play for the national team at 37 but I will say I am delighted that I made that decision because it turned out well for all of us and I achieved something that I always dreamt of as kid which was to make a contribution to getting my country to the World Cup. After the World Cup as far as my international career goes it could definitely be the end of it in a playing capacity. I might add though that I would want to contribute in another form to Trinidad and Tobago’s football and if the opportunity (to coach the national team) became available to me I would definitely put myself forward,” Latapy added.
In giving his take on the squad announced on Wednesday, the former FC Porto player felt the timing was right and those making Beenhakker’s selection can now start putting things into perspective regarding the World Cup.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved and especially the country at large to have the opportunity to go to our first World Cup ever, This is what the boys and the other people involved have all worked for over the years. It’s a big opportunity really for all of us.”
He mentioned that regardless of what, as a player he was still anxious up to the late stages over the squad naming.
“At this stage you don’t take anything for granted so any other player who is involved is obviously anxious to know who he (Beenhakker) was going to take to Germany. Generally speaking it’s a dream come true because I have played in five qualifying campaigns now and now that we have qualified, you want to make sure that you are in fact going to be there,” Latapy added.
And on a bit of advice for those who may have been left disappointed with not getting the final call, Latapy said he knows all too well that it’s never too late to make it to a World Cup.
“That’s sport for you. There will still be some who may be disappointed when the starting eleven is named because 23 players are going to the World Cup, That’s the way it goes and you have got to be able to take the bitter with the sweet. But looking at the bigger picture, it’s definitely a chance to showcase ourselves to the world and hopefully this is not going to be our last appearance at a World Cup. For those who are not going this time, they can now work harder and be around for the next time and if it’s anyone who can say you’re never too old to go to the World Cup it’s me at this stage,” he said on a lighter note.
He will reassemble with the rest of the team on May 7 in Port of Spain for the farewell friendly against the South Americans scheduled for a 6:30 pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Before that, the home-based pros will have a fine tuner against Grenada at the Larry Gomes Stadium on April 25 and Manny Ramjohn Stadium on April 27 with both games kicking off at 7pm.
