Hong Kong striker ignoring selection controversy, aiming to make history against India
Manuel Bleda said he was ignoring outside noise over his Hong Kong call-up as the striker sets his sights on 'making history' when the city team welcome India to Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday.
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The Spain-born player made a belated international debut in Thursday's 0-0 draw with Nepal.
When he received his passport in February 2024, Bleda was recovering from the anterior cruciate ligament tear he suffered the previous pre-season.
A May 2024 comeback proved to be a false start, and he would have to wait until March this year for his genuine return to action.
However, Bleda's selection for Hong Kong despite not scoring in eight appearances for his club team Eastern – at the expense of 18-goal BC Rangers striker Lau Chi-lok – stoked the ire of supporters.
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'For me, it's no problem – I don't decide who comes and who does not; that is the coach's job,' Bleda said.
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