Chanathip tight-lipped on return to top Thai league

Chanathip tight-lipped on return to top Thai league

Thai star Chanathip Songkrasin arrives at Suvarnabhumi airport on Monday.
Thai star Chanathip Songkrasin arrives at Suvarnabhumi airport on Monday.

Japan-based Chanathip Songkrasin declined to discuss his future after he returned to Thailand on Monday to play for the national team in their upcoming friendlies.

The 29-year-old midfielder has been rarely picked to play at J-Legue side Kawasaki Frontale, prompting reports that he could soon return to play at home.

It has been reported that Thai League 1 clubs Buriram United, Port and BG Pathum United have shown interest in signing him.

"I am still a player of Kawasaki Frontale," Chanathaip said. "I don't have anything to talk about this because I still have a contract with Kawasaki."

Chanathip was not even on the bench on Sunday when Kawasaki beat Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1-0.

Frontale are currently ninth in the Japanese top flight.

Chanathip chose not to play for Thailand who won the Asean title earlier this year, saying that he wanted to focus on his club career.

Thailand will play two away games at Taiwan on Friday and at Hong Kong next Monday.

"I am very happy to play for the national team again," Chanathip said.

"Away matches are always difficult although the two teams are ranked lower than Thailand. But this squad has many good players and I believe we will get good results."

Thailand are at No.114 in the latest Fifa rankings, ahead of Hong Kong (147) and Taiwan (156).

Midfielder Supachoke Sarachart, the other Japan-based Thai player, said the aim is to win both games.

"The coach [Mano Polking] may want to test new players and new tactics," said the Consadole Sapporo star. "We will do our best to claim wins for our fans."

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