The rising star of UAE football, Omar Abdulrahman, just keeps burning brighter as this week he looks to lead his Al Ain FC team to the pinnacle of Asian football.
The UAE side are competing in the final of the Asian Champions League, where they face off against South Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors over two legs. Following last night’s 2-1 loss in the first leg, only a standout performance from the afro-ed superstar will help Al Ain win it’s second ever Champions League title.
Popularly known as “Amoory”, the gifted midfielder is the hot property in world football, and as last year’s Esquire Sportsman of the Year, he took a few minutes out to talk to us ahead of the biggest game of the season:
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One game separates Al Ain from a historic achievement. Is the team ready?
I think by reaching this stage that we’ve shown we are at a level that allows us to compete on the biggest stage. I am optimistic we can win the Asian Championship.
The club has great ambition and this cup run is thanks to some very careful planning. From our side as players, we have shown full commitment to the project through training and supporting our coach’s vision. We’ve grown as a team and developed a great chemistry.
Personally, how do you prepare a game the size of the Asian Champions League final?
I’m always keen to be involved in big occasions. It is a great opportunity for me as an athlete to achieve something that could make my club and country proud. In the build up to big games there are certainly more nerves, but as a professional footballer I’m always committed to training and to maintaining a healthy lifestyle regardless of what’s coming up.
As a team we do prepare for the game collectively, especially on a tactical level by studying each detail in our opposition to ensure we’re well prepared for the game both mentally and physically.
Is this the stage to showcase the best of Amoury?
It’s not about me. The game is a great reward for everyone at Al Ain and it’s a definitely a historic opportunity which we hope to seize. The ambition of this club is limitless, especially seeing that being Asian champions would qualify us to the Clubs World Championship where we’ll be competing with the best teams from Europe and South America. I’ve always given my best in training to reach this level with Al Ain and I will do the best I can to ensure my team will be crowned champions.
Speaking of training, what types do you prefer?
I’ve always preferred the drills which involved the ball, but I’ve also been always committed to all types of training required from me as a professional footballer, whether it’s in the gym or on the pitch. After all these years, training became an important part of my daily routine and I enjoy it as it is.
does your training regime look right now? And how did it change with the years?
I started training at a very young age as my life was always about football. When I turned professional I became committed to my club’s training of course, but I’ve always made sure to train by myself to enhance further my technique, speed and fitness.
