Manchester United player, Zidane Iqbal, with Pakistani roots made his international debut with the Iraqi side against Iran on Thursday.
During an interview with Manchester United, Zidane Iqbal said that he feels pride in his Pakistani heritage. “I’ve grown up in Manchester my whole life so I’d say I’m a proud Mancunian, but I’m also proud of my heritage as well. I’m proud of being English, Pakistani and Iraqi,” he said.
He also talked about playing for Iraq while being brought up in the UK. “Me choosing to play for Iraq doesn’t mean I’m not a proud Mancunian or a proud Pakistani. I just feel this is the right opportunity for me as a player, the right step in my career, and an honor, but it doesn’t take away the fact that I’m a Mancunian and a Pakistani as well,” he added.
Zidane Iqbal further said, “I feel that this is the right decision for me in my career. It’ll be such an honor to represent Iraq. My family is proud of me and I just feel that it’ll be a forward step in my career, playing in the World Cup qualifiers, in big games. It’ll be a massive honor.”
Read more: Zidane Iqbal, Pakistani footballer, makes it to Manchester United FC
Zidane Iqbal’s debut
Back in December, British-Pakistani Zidane Iqbal footballer had become the first British-South Asian to play for Manchester United. He made his debut for the club on Wednesday night.
Proud to have made my international debut despite the result❤️ pic.twitter.com/nKgvbhJufJ
— zidane iqbal (@z10ane) January 27, 2022
He came in on the 89th minute of United Champion’s League against Young Boys, which they drew 1-1. Iqbal replaced England’s international Jesse Lingard. The 18-year-old was among the number of young players given the opportunity during the game.
Zidane Iqbal was born in Manchester but has Iraqi and Pakistani roots. He became the first British South Asian to sign a professional contract with Manchester United in April. Iqbal is now the first member of the team to play first-team football for the club.