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I wanted to play – Ashfaq

Ali Ashfaq has responded to recent national team selection by stating that he wanted to continue playing for national team but was not selected by national team coach Petr Segrt.

Asfaq was omitted from the squad for Maldives’ last game against Bhutan for not attending the pre-match press conference. At that time Sgrt said Ashfaq was not mentally fit but the door is still open for the player to make it to the squad.

However, Ashfaq being in prolific form this season was a shock omission from the squad.

At yesterday’s press conference, Segrt said FAM held a meeting with Ashfaq to discuss his future.

Ashfaq today told Maldivesoccer that the meeting with FAM president Bassam was cut short after Segrt interrupted Bassam’s meeting introduction by stating Ashfaq can only play if he is selected.

“I totally agree with that, I can only play if I am selected by the coach and as a professional I will respect coach’s decision” Ashfaq said.

“I was keen to play in this year’s SAFF Championship and has been working on that”

Even Segrt himself claimed at that time that he hope Ashfaq to play in the SAFF Championship but his omission from the squad is a shocker for the player as well.

“ I am surprised” Ashfaq said about his omission from the squad.

Ashfaq has already scored 25 goals this season and was instrumental for New Radiant in the AFC Cup.

2 thoughts on “I wanted to play – Ashfaq

  1. Congratulation for been professional about this. Any one can only play if coach wants him to play. Simple as that. He clearly does not want you in his team. We could sack this coach and get a Maldivian one who will treat you like royalty.

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