Abdelkarim: The award is a result of patience and hard work

Al-Sadd star Abdelkarim Hassan spoke of his delight upon his arrival in Doha after picking up the Asian Player of the Year award at the AFC Annual Awards ceremony in Muscat.

“I am very happy and proud to win this award. Every player dreams of winning a prestigious award like this,” said Abdelkarim. “I want to thank my teammates at the club and the national team because football is a team game and I wouldn’t have got this award without them. And of course, my happiness is nowhere near that of the sporting community at me winning this award.”

“This win came after a lot of patience and hard work, and so the taste of victory is simply indescribable. When I was nominated for the award I felt very proud. I thought that even if I won or didn’t win, it is an achievement in itself to be nominated.”

“I’m still at the beginning of my career and I have huge ambitions. But I must continue training, developing myself and giving my best. Now, my focus is on winning the league with Al-Sadd and after that, it will be the next edition of the AFC Champions League. And with the national team, the focus will be on the AFC Asian Cup in the UAE.”