Emilio Izaguirre: Rogic is one of the best, but my wish is for Honduras at Russia 2018
Riyadh: After spending seven years in Scotland playing for Celtic, Honduras left-back Emilio Izaguirre packed his bags and headed to Saudi Arabia last summer to join the ambitious newly- promoted Al Fayha as part of an overhaul that saw them sign over 20 players in one transfer window.
Ahead of Honduras’ Intercontinental Play-off with Australia for a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia, the-AFC.com caught up with Izaguirre to talk about his thoughts on the big clash, his move to Asia, and what he makes of former teammate and Friday opponent, Tom Rogic.
Q: Last time CONCACAF and AFC representatives met at the play-off, Trinidad & Tobago overcame Bahrain to reach 2006 FIFA World Cup. Do Honduras have what it takes to overcome Australia this time?
A: We need to travel a long distance for this game, but the Honduras players are hungry to win and go to the World Cup.
Q: Both teams have to travel over 8,000 miles after the first leg to meet again in Sydney five days later, will that have an impact on the players?
A: It is very difficult to travel such a long distance and play within a short time as well, but it needs to be done.
So, we must try to sleep well, eat well and be professional. We need to focus on the match which will be a difficult one.
Q: You moved to Saudi Arabia after seven years at Celtic, what motivated you to make that decision?
Izaguirre (back row,3rd from right) will face old teammate Rogic (back row, 2nd from right).
A: I spent seven seasons at Celtic, winning 11 trophies, playing almost 50 UEFA Champion League games, nearly 300 matches overall, I carry them in my heart.
In the last six months I did not play much, and they did not want me to leave. I was offered a new contract, but I needed to play constantly to be able to play for my national team.
I accepted the offer and I am enjoying here. The most important thing is that I am playing every game and enjoying.
Q: You played alongside Australia’s Tom Rogic at Celtic, what do you think of him?
A: There so many good attributes about Tom Rogic, he does almost everything well; a great person and one of the best players I've had as a teammate.
But my wish is that Honduras go to the World Cup. I respect Tom as he was my teammate in Celtic for more than three years and always I wish him the best.
Q: What did you know about Saudi football before receiving the offer to move to Al Fayha?
There are two Honduran players who played in Saudi before; Alex Lopez and Roger Rojas.
They told me it was a good competitive professional League. So, I came and have so far played seven matches in a very good League that I am enjoying.
I want to my team, Al Fayha, to come in the top five in the league, and we are fighting for that.
Q: You have experience playing in two FIFA World Cups, how does it feel to represent your country on the global stage?
A: The most valuable moment for a player is to play football for love, and to play for the national team of your country is something very special.
I have experienced playing in two World Cups, but I want to play the third and do great things for my country.
Q: And finally, what is your opinion of the Australian national team?
Australia are a very good national team. What I think now? I am only think of winning and bring joy to our country together with my teammates.
Photos: Getty Images, CONCACAF.com, AFP
Source: the-afc.com
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