For the 2024 AFC Asia Cup in Qatar, Zidane Iqbal, 20, has teamed up with the Iraqi national team; he thinks they may win their first continental cup since 2007.
Zidane Iqbal, a former midfielder for Manchester United, is aiming for his first career trophy as he appe
ars certain to play a significant role for Iraq in the AFC Asia Cup in Qatar.
The 20-year-old chose to compete for Iraq, and he made it clear in an interview with Sky Sports News that he wants to repeat the country’s victory over Saudi Arabia in the 2007 tournament.
“It’s something that I’ve been thinking about for a long time, it will be a very good experience for myself and I can’t wait to get started.”
Iraq’s campaign starts against Indonesia in their opening match; they also have group games against Japan and Vietnam.
Though “ideally we’re going there to take the three points in each game and hopefully reach the final and bring the cup home, even if we aren’t favourites on paper,” Iqbal emphasised the value of playing each game as it comes.
Iqbal, who is currently at Utrecht, was chosen for the team despite having injury issues this season. He made his debut against Feyenoord shortly before Christmas.
Commentators praised his performance, and he hopes to build on it in Qatar.
He had the option of representing Pakistan or England, but he says he has “no regrets” about his choice of Iraq.
“Out of the three possibilities I had, I went with Iraq. My parents encouraged me to make the choice, and I did. Iqbal declared, “I am pleased to be a Mancunian and a Pakistani.
Due to injury concerns, Qbal has only been able to play for Utrecht four times. Despite this, he claims to have adapted well and hopes to gain more playing time following the Asia Cup.
“I’m feeling very at home here. I’ve been really welcomed by the guys, the staff, and the team. Thankfully, they are all fluent in English.
“Although my immediate attention is on the Asia Cup, I’ll also be watching the outcomes from Utrecht. I want to improve as a player, get more playing time when I return, and ideally avoid injuries.
“The team goal is to try and get into Europe for next season.”
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