PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) - Former captain Russell Latapy will not come out of retirement to play for Trinidad and Tobago, after the assistant coaching job he preferred was shelved.
Latapy, regarded as one of the best players to come out of the Caribbean, said he was no longer interested in returning to help the team's World Cup qualifying campaign, and had no desire to return as a player only."I am of the view that I can make a significant difference to the team on the field, while sharing the glory with the Trinidad public," Latapy said in a statement. "However, the role and responsibility as assistant coach-player as initially conceptualized, discussed and agreed upon, is no longer on the table, and what is now being requested of me, that is, to be a player only, is inconsistent with my career goals and vision."
He reportedly sought a house, car, and a monthly salary of about $32,000.
His decision allowed 36-year-old Latapy to continue as an assistant coach-player for one more season for Falkirk, whom he helped win the Scotland first division title and automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Trinidad and Tobago was last in the six-team CONCACAF World Cup qualifying group, with one point after three games.
