Theerathon reveals reason behind shock Muangthong move
Thailand captain Theerathon Bunmathan has revealed that his desire for a new challenge was behind arguably the biggest shock move in domestic football with his switch from Thai League champions Buriram United to bitter rivals Muangthong United.
The 26-year-old leftback played down the significance of the move as normal in football when he was officially unveiled yesterday as a player at Muangthong, joining on a four-and-a half-year contract.
“I would like to thank both Buriram and Muangthong for making the deal happen. I’m delighted to play for Muangthong. I think it’s just a natural path in football that brought me here,” Theerathon, who will wear the No 3 shirt for the Twin Kirins, told a packed press conference at Muangthong Stadium.
“Muangthong is one of leading clubs in the country and I just wanted a new challenge, which I think I can find at Muangthong. I have warm feelings about getting back to playing in my home province.
“I’m not interested in my shirt number and I haven’t come here to replace ‘Bas’ [Peerapat Notechaiya] because we can play together.”
After breaking the bank with a new transfer fee record of Bt30 million, Muangthong president Pongsak Pholanan wasted no time in heaping praise on the club’s new signing.
“Today is a historic day for Muangthong. This deal could be the most important in the club’s history. I don’t need to say much about Theerathon’s quality. He has played for every nationalteam squad.
“We got support from the ‘seniors’ to clinch this deal. I would like to welcome Theerathon to our home. I hope he can help bring success to the club, given his vast experience at both domestic and international level,” said Pongsak.
Theerathon will have to wait until June 25, however, and the start of the second leg of the season before he can play for his new employers.
