Nayeem says no grudge with anybody, salutes AIFF

New Delhi, Aug 21 (UNI) Nearly one and a half years after he was unceremoniously sacked as India coach, Syed Nayeemuddin has interestingly expressed his gratitude to AIFF for giving him the job.

''I salute the AIFF for having given me the (India coach) job at that time. I thank Priyaranjan Dasmunsi (AIFF President)for that,'' Nayeemuddin, who is here as Bangladesh coach for the ONGC Nehru Cup, said on Monday after his boys lost to India by a solitary goal in a round robin league match.

Nayeemuddin, the country's only Dronacharya awardee as football coach, was removed from the helm of affairs after India lost 0-3 to Yemen in Asian Cup qualifiers in March in Ambedkar Stadium.

Nayeemuddin though gave a subtle message to Indian players led by current and then captain Baichung Bhutia who have revolted against his style of football.

''Beckham had serious differences with Ferguson, but while leaving Manchester United he saluted his coach (Ferguson). Beckam also saluted Real Madrid while leaving the Spanish club for United States even he was treated as unwanted towards the end.

''Just like Beckham, I tried to do my best whichever job I took up, whether at the club and the national level. I have no grudge with anybody, rather I salute those who have given me positions of prominence,'' he said, while telling his off-repeated Beckam-Ferguson story.

Nayeemuddin shot back when a reporter asked whether the India-Bangladesh encounter was a clash between Bhutia and Nayeemuddin.

''It was an India-Bangladesh match and nothing else,'' a visibly angry Nayeemuddin retorted.

''I had replaced eminent persons as coach of Bangladesh including a respected Argentine. Indians should be proud that of one of their countryman is coaching another country.'' Nayeemuddin also praised AIFF for arranging pre-tournament tour to Portugal for Indian team and said it was a welcome step which would help grow Indian football.

''It is good that Indian players were sent for a tour in Portugal before Nehru Cup. Bangladesh can take inspiration from India. We are brothers and friends outside football field,'' said the 59-year-old former India defender.

Bangladesh are in a precarious position in the five-nation Nehru Cup after having lost to Syria and India in the round robin league.

They next play Cambodia tomorrow.

UNI