Al Ain defender Ismail Ahmed says he felt “overwhelmed with happiness” after being picked by new UAE national team coach Mahdi Ali.
The call up is the first for the 29-year-old Emirati-Moroccan central defender, who joined champions Al Ain from Moroccan side Fus de Rabat in 2008.
And Ismail cannot wait to don the Whites colours and justify his boss’ faith in his ability. “I felt proud and honoured and was overwhelmed by happiness [to be chosen],” said Ismail, who has made 60 appearances for The Boss domestically and scored 17 goals in the process so far.
He added: “I think when a player plays for a national team he feels important and this is an important phase in my life. It is the dream of any footballer to defend the name of the country he serves in international championships.”
Mahdi was handed the responsibility of coaching the UAE a few weeks back after his Olympic side returned from the London Games, their maiden appearance at the spectacular quadrennial event.
And Ismail was only too happy to wax lyrical of the Emirati tactician. “Mahdi has a rich CV and his achievements speak volumes about him. He proved himself as one of the best coaches when he led the UAE to the AFC U-19 Championship in 2008 and the Gulf Championships. His name has become synonymous with UAE football and he has always made fans here happy.”
Ismail’s first assignment with the UAE national team is likely to be the qualifying tournament for the 2015 Asian Cup, which starts in February. It is something he is now looking forward to impatiently.
“The coming period is an important and decisive one for me and I am aware of the challenges ahead because I have to make myself worthy of wearing the shirt,” said Ismail, who was a pillar in the heart of Al Ain’s defence as they romped to their 10th league success.
“Mahdi style is team spirit and he instills a sense of fighting for victory. The fight for spots will be in the mind of every player in his set up and they have to prove their worth. All players look for a bright future and I hope to continue succeeding with the coach.”
* For breaking news, follow us on @Sport_360 or find us on Facebook.
