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Paul McNamara

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.
The Spain-born player made a long-awaited 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.
“For me, it’s no problem – I don’t decide who comes and who does not; that is the coach’s job,” Bleda said.
“I’m ready to come to the Hong Kong team, and there’s no reason why I can’t. What is said outside, I cannot control.
“Injury stopped me coming earlier, but step by step, I’m feeling better. I’m getting fit.”

Since arriving in Hong Kong in 2016, Bleda has played for Kitchee – where he won the 2019-20 league title – Lee Man and Eastern, following spells in Spain, Belarus, Tajikistan and Romania.”
The 34-year-old first tried to play after his knee injury in last year’s Hong Kong FA Cup final, only to discover the joint was “still not secure”. By the time he came back in March this year, Bleda had undergone three rounds of surgery. He looked increasingly robust towards the end of the campaign and was hugely influential as a substitute when Eastern scored three late goals to retain the FA Cup with victory over Rangers last week.
“I’m not 100 per cent or giving my best performances yet, but in the last games for Eastern, I was showing more,” he said.
“I’m very happy to finally represent Hong Kong after a long time … and I’m happy with my individual situation. I’ve recovered and have the energy to focus for the next game.”
Bleda said familiarity with his international teammates after so long in Hong Kong football made it “easy to come into the squad”.
“We have a very nice group,” he added. “I didn’t play badly [against Nepal]; I’ll keep improving my performances and help the team when they need me.”
Bleda is in contention to start against India after Michael Udebuluzor suffered a hamstring problem on Thursday.
“Let’s see what happens,” said Bleda. “We can make history by having the first win for Hong Kong in that stadium, and we will do our best to get it.”
Supporters chanted for Ashley Westwood’s removal after the Nepal game, a sentiment that gained traction after the head coach left Lau out of his squad.
Bleda was confident, nonetheless, that “the fans will always come to support Hong Kong”. “We hope to have as many people as possible getting behind us on Tuesday,” he added.


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The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong striker ignoring selection controversy, aiming to make history against India

Manuel Bleda (right) made his debut for Hong Kong on Thursday against Nepal in a friendly at Hong Kong Stadium. Photo: Getty Images

Manuel Bleda when he received his Hong Kong passport in February 2024. Photo: Instagram/@manu_bleda_9

Furious Westwood blasts critical Hong Kong fans, says they know ‘nothing about football’

Michael Udebuluzor leaps to win a header during Hong Kong’s stalemate with Nepal. Photo: Elson Li

Westwood during the pre-match press conference where he defended the omission of Lau Chi-lok. Photo: May Tse

Hong Kong fans aim ire at head coach Ashley Westwood after poor draw with Nepal

Hong Kong midfielder Juninho fires a shot across goal during his side’s friendly against Nepal at Hong Kong Stadium. Photo: Elson Li

Hong Kong’s Yue Tze-nam is sent flying during his side’s game against Nepal. Photo: Elson Li

Sport

Football

Manuel Bleda in contention to start the AFC Asian Cup qualifier at Kai Tak Stadium, following long-awaited debut in Nepal draw


Manuel Bleda in contention to start the AFC Asian Cup qualifier at Kai Tak Stadium, following long-awaited debut in Nepal draw.
