When Emirati footballer Ahmed Khalil stepped on to the stage in New Delhi on Sunday to collect the Asian Football Confederation player of the year award, he was both humble and generous. He told the audience: "It's not for me only, it's for all the people of the Emirates."
Between his national football duties and his role as a striker for Al Ahli, Khalil has every right to be proud of his personal achievements. As the winner of the AFC’s youth player of the year in 2008, he is the first Emirati and only the third player ever to have won both. He conveyed a positive message to those who aspire to follow in his footsteps by saying that he had worked hard to get where he is and “gave 100 per cent” in all his matches.
Khalil’s achievements for his club and his country have inevitably led to speculation about his future, and he has confirmed that he is hoping for a career in Europe. Wherever he goes, we wish him well and hope he continues to be an ambassador for the country.
