INDA SILASE, Ethiopia, June 14 (Reuters)- Professional footballer Muhar Tekeste has reason to look despondent as he sits on the grass with 17 other Eritrean prisoners of war and brushes flies off his wounded foot.
Muhar was captured three days ago by Ethiopian troops during fierce fighting in the disputed border area at the heart of a bloody month-long conflict between the Horn of Africa neighbours.
On Sunday he was brought by truck to his new home -- a prison complex on the edge of the northern Ethiopian town of Inda Silase.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who plays for the Meloti Bere club in the Eritrean capital Asmara, said he never wanted to fight and all he wants is to go home and watch World Cup football with his friends.
``I am frightened, I am not a soldier,'' he said. ``I like to play football, I like the World Cup.''
Muhar said when he was called up suddenly by the Eritrean army he thought he was being sent to do development work. ``I thought we were going to build roads and bridges, not fighting,'' he said.
He said he was unarmed and wearing civilian clothes when he was captured near the disputed towns of Sheraro and Badme on the border.
Ethiopia said in a weekend statement that 10,990 Eritrean troops had been killed or wounded, and 150 captured, in fighting on three fronts.