Korean striker Do-Dong Hyun officially released by East Bengal

FC Bardez and DSK Shivajians are in the race to sign the striker...

East Bengal’s Korean striker Do-Dong Hyun has been officially released by the Kolkata giants ahead of the I-League commencing from 7th January. Dong was handed a compensation of ₹ 30 lakhs instead of his demand of ₹ 1cr after mutual agreement with his agent Ronak Dalal. Khel Now had earlier reported that East Bengal will release Dong and he may ply his trade in the I-League in different colours next season. Speaking to the press in the club tent yesterday the forward said, “First of all I will go back to Korea to spend time with my family. I have offers from two I-League clubs and one Korean club but have not made up mind yet as to where I will play.” He also acknowledged that several Indian clubs like DSK Shivajians and FC Bardez are in talks with him but nothing has been finalized as yet. When asked about his disappointment of not getting an opportunity to play in the I League Dong said, “As you know the life of a footballer is like this. If you are not required by your club you have to leave, so am leaving.” When asked about the main reason for his early exit Dong said, “The coach don’t want me in the team but I don’t know the reason why? If you are not wanted in the team, then it cannot be helped and you have to leave.” Dong, who celebrates his 23rd birthday today stated that his most memorable match for the club was the first Kolkata Derby in the Calcutta Football League in which he scored two goals from free-kicks.“ Scoring two goals against Mohun Bagan will always be special for me as it was my first derby,” said Dong. According to top club official Debabrata Sarkar, ”The coach didn’t find him suitable to his tactics and formation and we have to follow the instructions of the coach. We have amicably settled the matter and there is no further dispute”. In this season, the Korean’s performance graph kept on decreasing as he failed to gain manager Trevor Morgan’s faith and after East Bengal’s 7th consecutive CFL triumph Morgan had made it clear that Dong is still unable to fit into his combination. The club officials this time agreed with Morgan and decided to release Dong. His agent was called upon to discuss the contract clause several times but Ronak kept on delaying. At last Ronak had come on Monday and discussed the contract clause for the next two days before doing a “golden handshake” with the club yesterday.