Iraq versus the Netherlands
“In 2009, I played in the Dutch Junior Team. In the same period, I received an invitation to come play for the national team of Iraq. That’s when I had to make a choice: was it going to be Iraq or the Netherlands? I considered the chance that I would ever get to play for the Dutch national team rather small. That is why I opted for Iraq. Looking back, I certainly don’t have any regrets. I played in Australia, Japan, and South Korea, and I enjoyed some really great moments.”

Iraqi fans
“Football is very important to Iraqis. But unfortunately, there is also a downside. For example, celebrating fans were shot down by IS fighters after a game. That is intense. It is not discussed within our team; the subject is taboo. Nevertheless, I’ve noticed that our team also brings people together. When we reached the semi-finals of the Asian Cup in January, I got reactions from every corner of the world on social media. For a short while, religion didn’t matter; everybody was happy.”

Sports and studies
“Sometimes, it is difficult to combine everything. I train at the Alphense Boys amateur club four times a week, give training to the youth of Feyenoord, and go to school five days a week. In June, I will fly to Japan with the Iraqi national team for a training match, but my exams are at the same time. For these kinds of situations, I have to work out an appropriate solution with my school.”

10 years from now
“Ten years from now, I will have had a great career as a professional football player. I will then be a trainer and own my own company. I’m not yet sure what kind of company that will be, but what I do know is that I want to be my own boss.”

Text: Femke Radder
Photo: Wouter Le Duc