Cape Verde defender unsure about Afcon
Cape Verde Islands international Ricardo says he is unsure about playing at next year’s African Nations Cup in South Africa because it will leave his club in the lurch.
Ricardo says the timing of the tournament in January and February comes at a crucial juncture of the season in Portugal, where he plays for Pacos Ferreira in the top flight, and leaves him unsure about whether to commit to playing for the country, he told Portugal’s A’Bola newspaper.
Family issues and the consideration of being away from his club for up to a month were raised by 32-year-old defender in an interview.
“It’s a great honour to get a chance to participate at the Nations Cup and to be part of a piece of history for the Cape Verde but I’m still considering whether I’ll be going.”
Ricardo, who is Portuguese born by opted to play for Cape Verde first in 2008, added “it is important to think about the club that pays my wages. There is also my family. I’ve put football interests ahead of them so often but I don’t know if I can do it much more. I don’t want to disturb them or my club.”
Pacos Ferreira are the surprise package of the season in Portugal, lying forth in the league.
The Cape Verde Islands, who will be the only debutants at the 2013 Nations Cup finals, open the tournament against hosts South Africa on January 19 at Johannesburg’s Soccer City.
The next day Pacos Ferreira play arguably their toughest game of the season away against FC Porto on January 20.
